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PINDAR. 


♦ 


TRANSLATED  BY 

THE  REV.  C.  A.  WHEELWRIGHT, 

PREBENDARY  OF  LINCOLN. 


AND 

}> 

ANACREON. 


TRANSLATED  BY  THOMAS  BOURNE. 


NE  W-YORK: 

HARPER  &  BROTHERS,  82  CLIFF-ST. 

18  4  4. 


BOSTON  COLLEGE  UBRARl 
CHESTNUT  HILL.  MASS. 


/ 


I 


1314 


f 


V 

CONTENTS. 


PAGE 

Preface  .  v 

Biographical  Sketch  of  Pindar . vii 

THE  OLYMPIC  ODES. 

Of  the  Olympic  Games . 16 

Ock?  1 . 17 

—  i\ . 25 

—  Ill . 32 

—  IV . 37 

—  V. . 39 

—  VI . 42 

—  VII . 50 

—  VIII . 58 

—  IX . 63 

—  X . \  ...  70 

—  XI . .76 

—  XII . 78 

—  XIII . 80 

—  XIV . 87 

THE  PYTHIAN  ODES. 

Of  the  Pythian  Games . 90 

Ode  1 . 91 

—  II . 100 

—  Ill . .  .  .107 

—  IV . •  .  .  115 

—  V . 133 


IV 


CONTENTS 


(\]c  VI. 

-  VII. 

-  VIII 

-  IX. 
—  X. 
—  XI. 
—  XII. 


140 

143 

145 

151 

159 

164 

168 


THE  NEMEAN  ODES. 


Of  the  Neinean  Games . 172 

Ode  1 . 173 

—  ir . 177 

—  Ill . 180 

—  IV . 185 

—  V . 191 

—  VI . 196 

—  VII . 200 

—  VIII . 207 

—  IX . 211 

—  X . 216 

—  XI . 223 


THE  ISTHMIAN  ODES. 

Of  the  Isthmian  Games  .... 
Ode  I . 

—  II . 

—  Ill . 

—  IV . 

—  V . 

—  VI . 

—  vn . 

—  Vill . 


228 

229 

233 

236 

238 

243 

247 

251 

255 


PREFACE. 


The  version  of  Pindar’s  Odes  which  is  here  offered  to 
the  public  was  first  undertaken  in  compliance  with  a  sug¬ 
gestion  contained  in  a  critique  written  some  years  ago  in  the 
Quarterly  Review to  which  was  annexed,  by  way  of  illus¬ 
trating  the  plan,  a  metrical  translation  of  the  first  two  Olym- 
j)ic  odes,  in  which  the  usual  division  into  strophe,  antis¬ 
trophe,  and  epode  was  neglected,  after  it  had  been  exposed 
in  a  strain  of  playful  irony,  and  that  into  corresponding  para¬ 
graphs  made  use  of  in  its  stead. 

The  versions  of  these  two  odes  were  afterward  repub¬ 
lished  at  the  end  of  a  small  volume  of  poems  by  the  late 
Bishop  Heber  ;  and  this  plan  appeared  to  the  author  of  the 
present  translation  to  be  so  worthy  of  adoption,  that  he  has 
been  induced  to  go  regularly  through  the  odes  in  the  same 
manner ;  and  now  submits  his  effort  to  the  ordeal  of  public 
opinion. 

If  the  sentiment  of  Denham,  in  his  fine  panegyric  on  Sir 
R.  Fanshaw,  translator  of  II  Paster  Fido,  expressed  in  the 
following  lines,  be  well  founded, 

“  Nor  ought  a  genius  less  than  his  that  writ. 

Attempt  translatfon  ;  for  transplanted  wit 
All  the  defects  of  air  and  soil  doth  share, 

Aiwi  colder  brains  like  colder  climates  are,” 

few  would  be  sufficiently  bold  to  grapple  in  verse  with  a  poet 
of  so  sublime  a  genius  as  the  Theban  bard  ;  the  difficulty  of 
transfusing  whose  peculiar  beauties  into  another  language 
can  be  appreciated  by  those  alone  who  have  attempted  to 
preserve  this  poet’s  sublimity  without  soaring  into  empty 
loftiness  ;  and  to  adopt  his  occasional  free  tone  of  diction, 
without  degenerating  into  the  language  of  colloquial  famil¬ 
iarity  :  so  high  a  degree  of  caution  is  required  in  the  trans¬ 
lator  always  to  be  on  his  guard,  lest 


“  Migret  in  obscuras  humili  sermone  tabemas  ; 

Aut  dum  vitat  bumum,  nubes  et  inania  captet.” 

Horat.  ad  Pison.  229. 


a2 


VI 


PREFACE. 


But  whatever  fate  may  attend  the  present  version,  I  shall 
scarcely  know  how  to  repent  of  the  temerity  which  urged 
me  to  the  undertaking,  and  induced  me  to  persevere  in  a 
labour  that  has  furnished  an  agreeable  occupation  for  many 
a  vacant  hour. 

It  has  been  my  wish  to  give  throughout  my  version  some 
idea  of  the  energetic,  but  rather  abrupt,  style  and  manner 
of  an  author  whose  language  is  exalted  by  sentiments  of 
piety  and  genuine  patriotism — deserved  encomiums  to  the 
virtuous  and  brave,  as  well  as  heartfelt  gratitude  to  his  gen¬ 
erous  benefactors  ;  whose  various  compositions  are  appealed 
to  as  authority  in  doubtful  cases  by  Cicero,  Pausanias,  and 
other  ancient  writers  quoted  by  the  scholiast  on  different 
passages  ;  whom  Plato  distinguishes  by  the  epithets  mosi 
wise  and  divine  ;  who  was  considered  by  one  of  the  early 
Christian  fathers,  Clement  of  Alexandria,  to  have  been  well 
versed  in  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  Testament,  and  to  have 
borrowed  many  passages  from  that  treasury  of  sacred  wis¬ 
dom  and  sublime  eloquence,  particularly  from  the  Book  of 
Proverbs  ;  to  whom,  while  living,  honours  all  but  divine 
were  paid  ;  and  whose  dwelling  was  spared,  many  ages  after 
his  death,  in  the  general  sack  of  his  native  city. 

I  have  annexed  a  brief  account  of  the  four  most  celebrated 
games  of  Greece,  as  well  as  an  analysis  of  each  ode  ;  sufR- 
cient,  I  trust,  to  show  the  connection  of  idea  that  often  binds 
together  the  most  apparently  digressive  of  Pindar’s  compo¬ 
sitions  ;  and  added  occasional  illustrative  notes,  which  may 
be  found  useful  in  explaining  historical  and  mythological  al¬ 
lusions  :  nor  shall  I,  perhaps,  be  thought  too  presuming  in 
expressing  a  hope  that  the  English  reader  may  now  be  en¬ 
abled  to  form  a  more  accurate  idea  of  the  poetical  character 
of  Pindar  than  he  has  hitherto  been  enabled  to  effect. 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH 


OF 

PINDAR. 


Pindar  was  a  native  of  Thebes  in  Boeotia,  or, 
as  some  authors,  among  whom  is  the  geographical 
writer  Stephanus  Byzantinus,  affirm,  of  the  town  of 
Cynocephali,  which, was  under  the  Theban  juris¬ 
diction.  He  was  the  son  of  the  musician  Scope- 
linus,  or,  according  to  Suidas,  of  Deiphantus  and 
Myrto  :  his  birth  is  stated  by  the  same  author  to 
have  taken  place  in  the  sixty-fifth  Olympiad,  cor¬ 
responding  nearly  with  the  year  520,  A.C.  His 
parents  were  probably  of  obscure  situations  in  life, 
although  of  illustrious  descent;  as  he  asserts  in 
his  fifth  Pythian  ode  that  they  were  of  the  same 
origin  with  Arcesilaus,  king  of  Gyrene.  It  is  said 
of  Pindar  when  verging  to  manhood,  that  a  presage 
of  his  future  lyrical  eminence  was  drawn  from  the 
circumstance  of  a  swarm  of  bees  having  settled  on 
his  lips.  For  his  early  skill  in  musical  and  poet- 


vm 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH 


ical  composition  he  is  said  to  have  been  chiefly 
indebted  to  the  instructions  of  Corinna ;  against 
M’hom,  however,  when  a  competitor  for  the  prize, 
it  was  his  fate  to  be  adjudged  inferior  in  no  fewer 
than  five  contests :  but  this  perhaps  is  as  much  to 
be  attributed  to  the  personal  charms  of  his  fair  ri¬ 
val  as  to  her  poetical  superiority ;  since  in  the 
other  Grecian  assemblies,  which  did  not  allow  of 
female  competitors,  he  was  almost  invariably  de¬ 
clared  victorious.  He  also  received  instruction 
from  Simonides  of  Ceos,  at  that  time  the  most  cel¬ 
ebrated  lyric  poet  in  Greece.  He  was  contempo¬ 
rary  with  iEschylus,.  and  senior  to  Bacchylides, 
having  flourished  one  hundred  and  fifty  years  later 
than  Aleman,  one  hundred  after  Alcaeus,  and  fifty 
after  Stesichorus,  and  surpassed  them  all  in  lyrical 
excellence.  Of  his  numerous  compositions,  con¬ 
sisting  of  hymns  in  honour  of  the  gods,  pseans  to 
Apollo,  dithyrambies  to  Bacchus,  funeral  songs, 
and  odes  to  the  victors  at  the  four  great  festivals 
of  Greece,  the  latter  only  have  been  preserved  to 
ns,  with  the  exception  of  some  considerable  frag¬ 
ments,  one  especially*  of  great  poetical  beauty  on 
the  solar  eclipse,  cited  by  Dionysius  of  Halicar¬ 
nassus,  and  the  opening  verses  of  a  fine  dithyram- 
bic  hymn. 

One  slight  effort  of  Pindar’s  juvenile  muse  has 
also  escaped  the  ravages  of  time,  but  not  sufficiently 


OF  PINDAR» 


IX 


considerable  to  have  served,  like  Pope’s  Ode  on 
Solitude,  or  Cowley’s  Constantia  and  Philetus,  as 
a  presage  of  that  future  .excellence  which  placed 
him,  when  he  had  attained  his  fortieth  year,  in  the 
first  rank  of  the  lyric  poets  of  Greece. 

The  encomiums  which  our  poet  often  lavishes  on 
the  wealthy  have  sometimes  been  mentioned  ,as  a 
subject  of  reproach ;  but  if  Pindar’s  chaste  and 
decorous  muse  delighted  to  panegyrize  kings,  demi¬ 
gods,  and  heroes,  in  common  with  the  poets  of  his 
time,  we  shall  not  be  able  to  find  throughout  his 
odes  any  instance  of  vice  in  high  station  flattered, 
or  prosperous  wickedness  enriched  by  the  golden 
dews  of  poetical  adulation.  In  the  sincere  and  ju¬ 
dicious  advice  which  he  fearlessly  bestows  on  Hi- 
ero  or  Arcesilaus,  the  reader  will  be  reminded  of 
our  own  Chaucer,  who,  in  the  independent  spirit  of 
true  genius,  concludes  his  “  Ballade  sent  to  King 
Richard”  by  this  grave  admonition  to  the  reigning 
monarch : — 

“  Prince,  desire  to  be  honourable, 

Cherish  thy  folk,  and  hate  extortion,”  &c. 

It  is  to  the  bold  and  animated  language  of  the 
Theban  bard  that  we  are  in  a  great  measure  in¬ 
debted  for  the  feeling  and  interest  that  accompany 
the  contemplation  of  those  magnificent  festivals 
which,  being  interwoven  with  the  structure  of  the 


X 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH 


popular  religion,  hailed  by  the  hopes  of  the  religious 
and  the  aspirations  of  the  devout,  have  no  parallel 
in  the  history  of  modern  solemnities. 

His  hymns  and  paeans  in  honour  of  Apollo  were 
frequently  chanted  in  the  temples  of  Greece  by  the 
poet,  seated  in’ his  iron  chair,  which  was  afterward 
placed  as  a  venerable  relic  in  the  temple  at  Del¬ 
phi  ;  and  the  priestess  herself  declared  it  to  be  the 
Will  of  the  presiding  deity  that  Pindar  should  be  re¬ 
warded  with  one  half  of  the  first  fruits  which  were 
oftered  at  his  shrine.* 

We  are  not  acquainted  with  many  particulars  of 
his  early  life,  but  may  collect  from  the  accounts  of 
various  authors  that  the  character  of  the  living 
bard  was  held  in  the  highest  degree  of  estimation, 
especially  by  King  Hiero,  and  his  meinory  after 
death  contemplated  with  the  deepest  reverence. 
ItHs'related  of  him  that  he  had  a  particular  devo¬ 
tion  for  the  god  Pan,  and  therefore  took  up  his 
abode  near  the  temple  of  that  deity.  He  was  ap¬ 
pointed  to  com^se  the  hymns  which  were  sung  by 
the  Theban  virgins  in  honour  of  that  mystic  em¬ 
blem  of  universal  nature.  It  also  appears  from 
Pyth.  iii.,  139,  that  near  the  dwelling  of  Pindar 
stood  a  shrine  or  chapel  dedicated  to  the  great  god¬ 
dess  Rhea,  where  the  nymphs  were  wont  to  assem- 


*  See  the  note  on  the  tenth  Olympic  ode,  line  Gli 


OF  PINDaR* 


XI 


ble  at  ifee  oiose  of  day  for  ithe  purpose  of  perform¬ 
ing  iheir  ViOws  to  her  and  to  I^an.  We  further 
learn  from  Aristodemus,  quoted  by  the  scholiast  on 
this  passage,  that  Pindar  himself  raised  .this  shrine 
to  the  venerable  Mother  of  the  Gods.  .He  likewise 
cites  a  fragment  of  an  ode  or  choral  hymn  ad¬ 
dressed  to'Panjby  our  poet,  invoking  that  deity,  as 
president  of  Arcadia,  and  companion  of  the  nymphs 
in  their  dances,  to  isrnile  propitiously  pn  his  songs. 
Indeed,  the  piety  of  the  Theban  bard  is  everywhere 
conspicuous,  and  worthy  of  admiration.  ,  It  is  re¬ 
lated  -by  Plutarch,  -in this  Life  of  Alexander,  that 
when,  after  a  anost  determined  and  vigorous  de¬ 
fence,  the  city  of  Thebes  wasilevelled  to  the  ground 
by  that  conqueror^  the  posterityiofPindariWere  ex¬ 
empted  from  the  shard  fate  which, attended  his  cap¬ 
tive  -fellows- townsmen. 

The  same  honour  had  on  a  former  occasion  been 
paidt.tot  the  habitation  Of  hisf  descendants  by  the 
LacedaBmonians ;  .  and  Pausanias,  the  Grecian 
traveller,  relates  that  he  had  seen  the  ruins  of  this 
house  near  the  fountain  Diree. 

Theimanner  of  Pindar’s  death  has, been  variously 
related’ by  different  authors.  » Pausanias.  gravely 
records  *)  as  authentic  the  ^  traditionary  tale,  that 
while  our  poet,  was  living  in  the  height  of  honour 
and  glory,  Proserpine  appeared  to  him  in  a  dream, 
and  coEnplained, .that  she.  aJone,,pf  aU  ihe  deities 


Xll 


BrOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH 


had  been  neglected  in  his  poems :  this  defect  he 
promised  to  supply  as  soon  as  he  should  arrive  in 
the  kingdom  of  Pluto,  when  he  would  consecrate  a 
hymn  to  her  honour ;  and  that  he  died  either  in  the 
.  theatre  or  the  gymnasium  on  the  tenth  day  after 
his  dream. 

Another  account,  by  Valerius  Maximus,  (b.  ix., 
c.  12,)  is  so  far  removed  from  all  recorded  instances 
of  the  departure  of  illustrious  men  from  the  world, 
as  naturally  to  excite  the  skepticism  of  the  reader 
— although  it  is  mentioned  by  that  author  as  a  sign 
of  the  favourable  regard  of  the  gods,  no  less  than 
the  excellence  of  his  poetic  faculty.  This  event 
is  said  to  have  taken  place  when  the  poet  had  at¬ 
tained  the  advanced  age  of  eighty-six  years.  A 
monument  was  erected  to  his  memory  in  the  hip¬ 
podrome  at  Thebes,  near  the  Prcetaean  Gate,  at  the 
distance  of  a  furlong  from  the  city,  and  an  inscrip¬ 
tion  engraved  on  it,  recording  his  candid  and  agree¬ 
able  manners  both  to  his  fellow-townsmen  and  to 
strangers. 

The  reader  will  perhaps  net  be  displeased  if  to 
this  short  biographical  sketch  is  added,  from 
Heyne’s  exceHent  edition,  a  life  of  Pindar  digested 
according  to  the  order  of  years,  together  with  a 
notice  of  the  victors  who  are  celebrated  in  his 


Ol3rmp.  65,1,  A.C.  520,  Pindar  born. 


or  PINDAR. 


[Suidas  says  that  he  was  forty  years  age  at  the 
battle  of  Salamis,  which  account  agrees  with 
this.] 


iEt.  Olymp.  Pylh, 
22  70,3  22 
30  73,3  S4 


32  73,1 
36  74,1 
40  75,1 
42  75,3  27 

44  76,1 
46  76,3  28 

48  77,1 

50  77,3  29 

\ 

54  78,3  30 
56  79,1 

58  79,3  31 
60  80,1 
66  81,3  33 
68  82,1 
74  83,3  35 
PIND. — B 


AC. 

498  Hippocleas  victor — Pyth.  x. 

490  Xenoerates — Pyth.  vi. 

Battle  of  Marathon. 

In  the  same,  or  in  the  25th 
Pythiad,  Midas  gains  the 
prize  on  the  flute — Pyth.  xii. 

488  Epharmostus — 01.  ix. 

484  Agesidamus — 01.  x.  and  xi. 

480  Battle  of  Salamis. 

478  Hicro  conquers  in  racing — 
Pyth.  iii. 

476  Asopichus — 01.  xiv. 

474  Megacles — Pyth.  vii. — Telesic- 
rates — Pyth.  ix. 

472  Theron — 01.  ii.  and  Ergoteles 
—01.  xii. 

470  Hiero  in  the  chariot  race — 
Pyth.  i. 

466  Telesicrates — Pyth.  ix. 

464  Xenophon  in  the  stadic  course 
— 01.  xiii. 

462  Arcesilaus — Pyth.  iv.  and  v. 

460  Aleimedon — 01.  viii. 

454  Thrasydasus — Pyth.  xi. 

452  Psaumis — 01.  iv.  and  v. 

446  Aristomenes — Pyth.  viii. 


XIV  BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH  OF  PINDAR. 


This,  according  to  Corsini,  (Fast.  Att.)  is  the 
year  of  Pindar’s  death,  which  however  is  by  differ¬ 
ent  authors  assigned  to  various  years  between  the 
79th  and  87th  Olympiad.* 

*  The  various  themes  on  which  his  prolific  muse  was  em¬ 
ployed  are  thus  enumerated  by  Horace,  in  his  ode  beginning 
“  Pindarum  quisquis,”  &c. ;  which  it  may  not  displease  the 
English  reader  to  peruse  in  the  paraphrase  of  our  excellent 
Cowley: — 

“  Whether  th’  immortal  gods  he  sings 
In  a  no  less  immortal  strain, 

Or  the  great  acts  of  god-descended  kings, 

Who  in  his  numbers  still  survive  and  reign ; 

Whether  in  Pisa’s  race  he  please 
To  carve  in  polish’d  verse  the  conqueror’s  images  ; 
Whether  some  brave  man’s  untimely  fate 
In  words  worth  dying  for  he  celebrate  ; 

Such  mournful  and  such  pleasing  words. 

As  joy  to  his  mother’s  and  his  mistress’  grief  affords.” 


THE  OLYMPIC  ODES. 


OF  THE  OLYMPIC  GAMES. 


Thx  Olympic  Games,  the  most  illustrious  of  all  in  Greece, 
take  tneir  name  from  Olympia,  a  city  of  Elis,  the  place  of  their 
celebration;  or  from  having  been  instituted  by  Hercules  in 
honour  of  Jupiter  Olympius,  after  a  victory  obtained  over  Auge- 
as,  tyrant  of  Elis,  B.  C.  1222.  They  were  held  at  the  full  moon 
on  the  first  month  of  every  fifth  year,  and  lasted  five  days,  as 
appears  from  01.  v.,  15.  ircuirrafiepots  tv  a/nWais. 

According  to  some  authors  the  date  of  their  institution  was 
B.C.  1453.  After  a  long  interval  of  neglect  they  were  rein¬ 
stituted  B.C.  776,  in  which  year  Choroebus  obtained  the  vic¬ 
tory  ;  and  from  this  time  the  era  of  the  Olympiads  is  usually 
dated. 

The  exercises  at  these  games  consisted  of  running,  wrestling, 
leapiug,  throwing  the  discus,  and  boxing  with  the  caestus ;  which 
were  altogether  called  by  the  name  izcvraOXov,  or  quinquertium, 
and  comprehended  in  the  well-known  Greek  verse  : 

aXfia,  TtoitiiKCttjv,  iioKov,  a/fovra,  iraXijv, 

The  reward  of  the  victor  was  a  crown  of  the  wild  olive-tree, 
called  (01.  iv.,  19,)  eXaia  Utaarig  :  which,  according  to  the  my¬ 
thological  story,  had  been  transplanted  at  Olympia  by  Hercules 
from  the  hyperborean  regions ;  which  fable  is  related  at  large 
in  the  third  Olympic  ode.  Besides  the  five  contests  mentioned 
above,  there  were  at  these  games  horse  and  chariot  races,  and 
contentions  in  poetry,  eloquence,  and  the  fine  arts.  They  were 
celebrated  with  every  mark  of  solemnity :  the  preparations  for 
the  festival  were  very  great :  none  but  persons  of  unblemished 
character  were  allowed  to  present  themselves  as  combatants ; 
and  they  were  attended  by  spectators  from  every  part  of  Greece. 
Near  the  goal  of  the  stadium  was  placed  the  semicircular  seat  of 
the  Olympic  judges,  who  were  called  hellanodici;  and  behind 
them  was  the  large  tract  of  land  known  by  the  name  of  Altis ; 
for  a  description  of  which  see  the  note  on  01.  x.,  62. 


THE  FffiST  OLYMPIC  ODE. 


TO  HIERO,  KINO  OF  SYRACUSE,  VICTOR  IN  THE  SINGLE- 
HORSE  RACE  IN  THE  SEVENTY-THIRD  OLYMPIAD. 

ARGUMENT. 

In  this  ode  Pindar,  who,  together  with  other  bards,  was  prob¬ 
ably  at  this  time  a  guest  at  the  royal  table,  sets  forth  in  a 
beautiful  strain  of  poetry  the  glory  and  superiority  of  the 
Olympic  contest,  in  which  Hiero  has  been  victorious,  to  all 
other  gaioes ;  ho  then  digresses  to  the  history  of  Pelops,  son 
of  Tantalus,  who  formerly  possessed  Pisa  and  Olympia,  and  is 
now  honoured  as  a  hero  within  the  sacred  grove  Altis.  Re¬ 
turning  to  his  principal  subject,  he  concludes  the  ode  with 
good  wishes  for  the  continued  prosperity  of  the  victor. 


Note. — The  inner  number,  placed  at  the  end  of  the  several  para¬ 
graphs,  shows  the  corresponding  line  of  the  original. 


Water  with  purest  virtue  flows ; 

And  as  the  fire’s  resplendent  light 
Dispels  the  murky  gloom  of  night, 

The  meaner  treasures  of  the  mine 
With  undistinguish’d  lustre  shine  5 

Where  gold  irradiate  glows. 

1  In  the  Thalesian  philosophy  water  was  considered  the 
most  excellent  of  all  the  elements,  as  that  to  which  all  other 
things  owed  their  origin.  This  opinion  Plutarch  (de  Iside  et 
Osiride)  considers  that  Homer  as  well  as  Thales  borrowed  from 
the  Egyptians.  Juno,  in  the  Iliad,  b.  xiv.,  v.  200,  tells  Venus, 
and  afterward  repeats  it  to  Jupiter,  that  she  came  to  visit  the 
extremities  of  the  earth,  and  Ocean,  the  progenitor  of  the  gods,  and 
their  mother  Tethys, 

B  3 


18 


PINDAR. 


Thus  too  when  flames  the  orb  of  day 
The  anxious  eye  in  vain  would  soar 
Along  the  desert  air, 

Intently  gazing  to  explore 
Another  star  whose  lustre  fair 
Shines  with  a  warmer  ray. 

And  we  will  sing  in  loftiest  strain 
The  contest  of  Olympia’s  plain ; 

Whence,  Saturn’s  mighty  son  to  praise, 
Poets  the  hymn  of  triumph  raise, 

To  Hiero’s  festal  dome  who  bend  their  way.  17 

The  monarch  whose  supreme  command 
In  Sicily’s  proliflc  land 

The  righteous  sceptre  sways. 

Culling  the  pride  of  every  flower 
That  blooms  in  Virtue’s  hallow’d  bower; 

A  wreath  of  highest  praise. 

While  music  adds  a  brighter  gem 
To  gild  the  regal  diadem. 

When  poets’  sportive  songs  around 
His  hospitable  board  resound.  26 

Then  from  its  lofty  station  freed 
Quickly  seize  the  Dorian  lyre. 

If  Pisa  or  the  victor  steed, 

Ne’er  doom’d  beneath  the  scourge  to  bleed 
The  mind  with  sweetest  cares  inspire. 
When  by  Alpheus  urged,  his  flight 
Exalts  his  lord  with  conquering  might. 

In  Syracuse  who  holds  his  reign. 

And  loves  the  generous  horse  to  train.  36 
Such  too  his  fame  and  lustre  high 
From  Lydian  Pelops*  colony ; 


10 

15 

20 

25 

30 

35 


38  A  temple  was  erected  to  Pelops  in  the  Altis,  or  sacred 
grove,  which  had  been  fenced  from  profane  tread  by  Hercules, 
(see  01.  X,  62.  )  near  to  that  of  Jupiter  at  Olympia.  Heoce  the 


FIRST  OLYMPIC  ODE. 


19 


Whom  earth-encircling  Neptune  loved. 

When  from  the  glowing  caldron’s  round,  40 
His  arm  with  ivory  shoulder  crown’d, 

Clotho  the  newborn  youth  removed. 

So  much  to  fabled  lore  we  trace — 

For  wrapp’d  in  varied  falsehood’s  veil 

Full  oft  the  legendary  tale  45 

Can  win  to  faith  the  mortal  mind. 

While  truth’s  unvarnish’d  maxims  fail 
To  leave  her  stamp  behind.  47 

When  from  poetic  tongue 

The  honey’d  accents  fall,  50 

Howe’er  from  monstrous  fiction  sprung. 

They  win  their  unsuspected  way, 

And  grace  disguises  all. 

Till  some  far-distant  day 
Render  the  dark  illusion  plain.  55 

Yet  not  to  mortal  lips  be  given 
By  tales  unworthy  to  profane 
The  majesty  of  Heaven.  57 

Offspring  of  Tantalus  1  my  strain 
A  different  story  shall  record ;  60 

How  to  the  genial  board 
Thy  father  call’d  each  heavenly  guest, 

To  share  the  blameless  feast, 

With  grateful  hands  upon  the  head 

Of  his  dear  Sipylus  outspread.  65 

’Twas  then,  by  fond  desire  subdued. 

Thy  form  the  trident  bearer  view’d, 

story  of  Pelops  is  less  episodical,  and  has  a  closer  connection 
with  the  poet’s  subject  than  might  at  first  appear. 

Within  the  precincts  of  the  Altis  was  planted  the  sacred  olive 
tree,  called  callistephanos,  from  which  victors  in  the  Olympic 
games  were  crowned. 

65  It  was  on  the  top  of  this  mountain  that,  in  a  later  age, 


20 


PINDAR. 


And  whirl’d  thee  on  his  golden  steeds  above 
To  the  high  palace  of  immortal  Jove  ; 

Where  Ganymede  in  days  of  yore  70 

The  same  illustrious  office  bore.  71 

But  when  the  long  inquiring  train 
Had  sought  their  absent  charge  in  vain 
To  his  fond  mother  to  restore, 

The  slanderous  whisper  circled  round  75 

That  in  the  fervid  wave  profound, 

Hewn  by  the  sword,  his  limbs  were  cast. 

And  to  the  lords  of  heaven  supplied  a  sweet  repast ! 

But  far  the  impious  thought  from  me 
To  tax  the  bless’d  with  gluttony ;  80 

For  well  I  know  that  pains  await 
The  lips  that  slanderous  tales  relate. 

If  the  great  gods  who  on  Olympus  dwell 
High  favour  e’er  on  man  bestow’d 
Above  the  undistinguish’d  crowd,  85 

To  Tantalus  the  lot  of  honour  fell. 

But  ah !  too  feeble  to  digest 
The  raptures  of  the  heavenly  feast. 

His  haughty  soul  incensed  to  ire 
The  might  of  his  immortal  sire  ;  90 

Who  o’er  his  head  a  massy  rock 
Suspended,  that  with  direful  shock 

Niobe,  the  daughter  of  Tantalus,  melted  away  into  her  shower 
of  snowy  tears.  See  the  exquisite  description  of  Sophocles — 
(Antig.  824 — 833.  ;)  also  that  of  Ovid — (Met.  vi.  301 — 312.) 

87  Hesiod  (Theog.  638,  et  seq.)  declares  that  the  same  effects 
of  pride  and  insolence  were  wrought  on  the  minds  of  the  Titans 
after  they  had  been  allowed  to  partake  of  the  divine  aliments : — 

“  Their  spirits  nectar  and  ambrosia  raise.” 

Cookers  Version. 

Might  not  this  fable,  which  is  also  related,  almost  in  the  words 
of  Pindar,  by  the  scholiast  on  the  Odyssey,  (iv.  58.,)  owe  its 
origin  to  some  obscure  tradition  of  the  gathering  of  manna  by 
the  Israelites  in  the  wilderness,  when  man  did  eat  artels'  food? 
92  Lucretius,  in  his  magnificent  description  of  infernal  pun* 


FIRST  OLYMPIC  ODE. 


21 


Threatens  to  crush  him  from  on  high, 

And  scare  his  proud  felicity.  94 

Thus  still  in  unavailing  strife  95 

He  drags  a  weary  load  of  life, 

The  fourth  sad  instance  of  destructive  pride 
Whose  hand  th’  ambrosial  food  convey’d 
(Which  had  himself  immortal  made) 

To  earthly  guests  beside.  100 

Then  hope  not,  mortal,  e’er  to  shun 
The  penetrating  eye  of  Heaven ; 

For  lo !  the  rash  offender’s  son 
Far  from  the  happy  haunts  is  driven 
To  join  his  kindred  shortlived  train,  105 

And  wander  o’er  the  earth  again.  108 

But  when  the  thick  and  manly  down 
His  black’ning  chin  began  to  crown. 

From  Pisa’s  lord  he  seeks  to  prove 
Highborn  Hippodamia’s  love.  110 

Full  often  near  the  hoary  flood 
The  solitary  lover  stray’d. 

And  shrouded  in  nocturnal  shade, 

Invoked  the  trident-bearing  god ; 

Who,  ready  the  loud  call  to  greet,  115 

Stood  near  the  youthful  suppliant’s  feet — 

ishinents  (iii.  991,  seq.,>  appears  to  have  had  this  passage  in  his 
mind,  when  he  says, 

**  Nec  miser  impendens  magnum  timet,  aSre,  saxum 
Tantalus^  ut  /ama  est,  cassa  formidine  torpens ; 

Sed  magis  in  vita  Divom  metus  urguet.” 

Our  own  Spenser,  too,  has  the  same  allusion,  speaking  of  old 
Malbeceo,  who  lives 

“  In  drery  darkenes,  and  continuall  feare 
Of  that  rock’s  fall ;  which  ever  and  anon 
Threates  with  huge  mine  him  to  fall  upon. 

That  he  dare  never  slepee.” 

.  Faery  Queene. 

97  The  other  three  being  Sisiphus,  Tityus,  and  Ixion. 


22 


PINDAR. 


When  thus  he  spoke :  “  If  fond  desire, 

Neptune,  could  e’er  thy  bosom  fire, 

CEnomaiis’  brazen  spear  restrain. 

And  whirl  me  on  thy  swiftest  car  120 

Victorious  to  th’  Elean  plain. 

Since  conquer’d  in  the  rival  war 
Thirteen  ill-fated  suitors  lie, 

And  still  the  sire  delays  his  daughter’s  nuptial  tie. 

Nor  think  I  bear  a  coward  soul  125 

Which  every  danger  can  control ; 

Since  all  the  common  path  must  tread 
That  leads  each  mortal  to  the  dead. 

Say  wherefore  should  inglorious  age 

Creep  slow  o’er  youth’s  inactive  bloom,  130 

And  sinking  in  untimely  gloom, 

Should  man  desert  life’s  busy  stage 

To  lie  unhonour’d  in  the  tomb  1 

This  strife  be  mine :  and  thou,  w’hose  might 

Can  bless  the  issue  of  the  fight,  135 

Oh  !  grant  me  thy  propitious  aid.” 

’Twas  thus  the  ardent  lover  pray’d ; 

Nor  sued  with  supplication  vain 
The  mighty  ruler  of  the  main ; 

Who,  mounted  on  his  golden  car,  140 

And  steeds’  unwearied  wing. 

Gave  him  to  conquer  in  the  war 
The  force  of  Pisa’s  king. 

Obtaining  thus  the  virgin  fair, 

Her  valiant  hero’s  couch  to  share ;  145 

From  whom  six  noble  chieftains  bom, 

With  warlike  fame  their  stem  adorn  : 

Now  by  Alpheus’  stream  he  lies, 

Bless’d  with  funereal  obsequies. 


123  The  same  number  of  Trojans  are  related  by  Homer  to 
have  been  slain  by  Diomed  in  his  celebrated  night  expedition, 
(IL  X.  493,  &c.,)  the  last  of  whom  is  Rhesus  himself. 

The  scholiast  on  this  passage  gives  us  two  catalogues  of  their 
names. 


FIRST  OLYMPIC  ODE. 


23 


And  every  rite  divine  ;  150 

Where  strangers’  feet  innumerous  tread 
The  precincts  of  the  mighty  dead, 

Is  rear’d  his  hallow’d  shrine. 

At  distance  beams  his  glory’s  ray 
Conspicuous  in  Olympia’s  fray,  155 

Where  strength  and  swiftness  join  in  arduous  strife : 
And  round  the  victor’s  honour’d  head 
The  verdant  wreath  of  conquest  spread,  ~ 
Heightens  with  bliss  the  sweet  remains  of  life.  159 

Such  bliss  as  mortals  call  supreme,  160 

Which  with  its  mild,  perpetual  beam 
Cheers  every  future  day  ; 

And  such  my  happy  lot  to  grace 
His  triumphs  in  the  equestrian  race 

With  soft  iEolian  lay.  165 

Nor  will  the  muse  another  find 
Among  the  bless’d  of  human  kind 
More  potent  or  in  regal  fame. 

Or  arts  that  raise  a  monarch’s  name. 

For  whom  she  rather  would  prolong  170 

The  rich  varieties  of  song. 

The  god  who  makes  thy  cares  his  own. 

Thee,  Hiero,  still  with  favour  crown. 

And  soon,  if  his  protecting  love 
Not  vain  and  transitory  prove,  176 

1  hope  to  find  on  Cronium’s  sunny  height 
A  sweeter  vehicle  of  song 
To  publish,  as  it  rolls  along. 

Thy  rapid  chariot’s  flight. 

For  me  the  muse  with  vigorous  art  180 

Prepares  her  most  puissant  dart.  179 

165  I.  e.  Dorian ;  for  the  Dorians  and  .^olians  were  descended 
from  a  common  origin ;  see  30 

176  Pausanias  (1.  vi.)  informs  us  that  the  Croman  or  Sa¬ 
turnian  hill  at  Olympia  rose  above  the  Altis,  so  as  to  command 
a  full  view  of  the  course. 


24 


PINDAR. 


While  men  in  various  paths  their  efforts  bend 
The  steep  of  glory  to  ascend, 

Sublime  above  the  rest  on  high 

Glitters  the  orb  of  majesty.  186 

No  further  then  thy  wishes  raise, 

Supreme  in  glory  as  in  praise, 

Long  be  it  thine  to  tread : 

MeanwhUe  my  hymn's  ^iumphant  strain. 

That  celebrates  the  victor  train,  190 

Exalts  through  Greece  thy  bard's  illustrious  head.  _ 


THE  SECOND  OLYMPIC  ODE. 


TD  THERON  OP  AGRIGENTUM,  (iN  GREEK  ACRAGAS,)  ON 
HIS  VICTORY  IN  THE  CHARIOT  RACE,  GAINED  IN  THE 
SEVENTY-SEVENTH  OLYMPIAD. 

ARGUMENT. 

The  poet  congratulates  Theron,  sprung  from  ancestors  who 
had  experienced  much  adversity,  though  sometimes  attended 
with  better  fortune — extols  him  for  his  skill  in  the  contests, 
his  unsparing  expense  in  bringing  them  to  a  happy  issue,  and 
the  right  use  to  which  he  applies  his  great  wealth,  assuring 
him  that  the  recompense  of  his  virtuous  dispositions  will  at¬ 
tend  him  after  death  :  this  leads  to  a  most  noble  description 
of  the  infernal  and  Klysian  abodes.  Returning  from  this  di¬ 
gression,  which  he  defends  from  the  carping  malignity  of  his 
detractors,  Pindar  concludes  with  the  praises  of  Theron. 


Ye  hymns  that  rule  the  vocal  lyre, 

What  god,  what  hero  shall  we  sing  ? 

What  mortal  shall  the  strain  inspire  1 
'  Jove  is  fair  Pisa’s  guardian  king ; 

And  Hercules  Olympia’s  glorious  toil  5 

Ordain’d  the  first  fruits  of  the  battle  spoil. 

Theron  too  demands  my  strain, 

Whose  four-yoked  steeds  in  triumph  sweep  the 
plain.  9 

The  hospitable,  just,  and  great. 

Bulwark  of  Agrigentum’s  state,  10 

Of  his  high  stem  the  flower  of  fairest  pride.  14 
Who  by  their  long  afflictions  toss’d. 

Regain’d  their  sacred  mansion  lost. 

Upon  the  kindred  tide. 

J4  The  river  Acragas,  on  which  the  city  of  Agrigentum  i 
situated.  (See  the  opening  of  the  twelfth  Pythian  ode.) 

PINO. - C 


26 


PINDAR. 


Of  every  care  they  found  at  last  15 

A  sweet  and  tranquil  close, 

A  balm  for  every  danger  past, 

A  haven  of  repose. 

And  hence  to  fair  Sicilia  springs 
Her  long  illustrious  line  of  kings,  20 

Whose  happy  life  and  wealth  their  native  virtues 
wait.  20 

Oh  Rhea’s  son,  Saturnian  Jove, 

Lord  of  th’  Olympic  seats  above, 

Whose  favouring  power  the  victor  gave 
To  triumph  by  Alpheus’  wave,  25 

Still  to  their  latest  offspring  bear 
These  gifts  of  thy  paternal  care. 

Not  Time  himself,  the  sire  of  all. 

By  mortal  or  immortal  power 
The  deed  perform’d  can  e’er  recall :  30 

But  sweet  oblivion  of  the  gloomy  hour 
Succeeds  when  joy’s  enlivening  train 
Scatt’ring  the  melancholy  gloom. 

Bid  the  light  heart  its  wonted  ease  resume. 

And  Heaven’s  o’errulinglord  emits  his  bliss  again.  38 

Cadmus,  thy  daughters’  wayward  fate  36 

This  moral  truth  can  prove. 

Who  changed  their  suffering  mortal  state 
For  happy  thrones  above. 

Fair  Semele,  of  flowing  tresses  vain,  40 

By  the  loud  blast  of  thunder  slain, 

Her  joyful  recompense  can  boast. 

And  lives  among  th’  Olympic  host. 


36  Cadmus  was  an  ancestor  of  Theron,  and  therefore  his 
daughters,  Ino,  who  was  married  to  Athamas,  king  of  Thebes, 
and  whose  story  is  finely  told  by  Ovid,  in  the  fourth  book  of  the 
Metamorphoses,  and  Semele,  the  concubine  of  Jove,  are  judi¬ 
ciously  selected  by  the  poet  to  illustrate  the  mutability  of  human 
fortune,  while  at  the  same  time  they  show  the  antiquity  and  re¬ 
gal  splendour  of  the  monarch’s  descent- 


3OST0N  COl-LEQP  UflRAHY 
CcHESTNUT  HIUU  MASS, 

SECOND  OLYMPIC  ODE.  21 

Now  Pallas  sooths  the  happy  fair 

With  everlasting  love,  45 

The  ivy-circled  stripling’s  care, 

And  fond  delight  of  Jove.  50 

Bless’d  too,  as  ancient  tales  agree. 

Is  Ino’s  alter’d  destiny. 

Their  forms  where  sister  Nereids  lave  50 

With  them  at  large  to  stray. 

And  sport  amid  the  ocean  wave 
Her  happy  hours  away.  55 

Then  let  not  vain  presumptuous  man 
Seek  with  unhallow’d  eye  to  scan  55 

Th’  irrevocable  doom ; 

If  clouds  invest  his  final  day, 

Or  Heaven  shall  gild  with  cheerful  ray 
The  darkness  of  the  tomb. 

For  bliss  and  sorrow  with  alternate  flow,  60 

Sway  the  uncertain  tide  of  life  below.  64 

’Twas  thus  the  fates’  supreme  command 
Which  bless’d  old  Laius’  regal  line 
With  power  and  happiness  divine. 

In  after  times  decreed  the  blow  65 

That  plunged  their  hapless  race  in  wo. 

Impell’d  the  parricidal  hand 
Which  struck  the  Theban  monarch’s  breast. 
Perfecting  the  decree  in  Pythian  gloom  express’d.  72 

With  sharpen’d  eye’s  avenging  speed  70 

Erinnys  view’d  the  murderous  deed. 

And  soon  by  mutual  slaughter  gave 
The  warlike  brothers  to  the  grave. 

Surviving  Polynices’  doom, 

Thersander  bade  in  times  to  come  75 

Adrastus’  house  revive  again. 

First  in  each  youthful  sport,  and  in  the  strife  of  men. 


28 


PINDAR. 


Then  justly,  noble  king,  to  thee, 
iEnesideinus’  progeny, 

Thy  willing  poet’s  lyre  shall  raise  80 

The  tributary  song  of  praise.  86 

Alone  in  the  Olympic  sand 

The  victor’s  crown  he  wore ; 

But  when  upon  the  Pythian  strand. 

As  on  the  Isthmian  shore,  86 

Twelve  times  his  steeds  the  destined  bound 
The  car  triumphant  whirl’d  around. 

The  social  Graces  who  decree 
Each  high  reward  of  victory. 

To  his  loved  brother’s  head  the  wreath  of  conquest 
bore.  93  90 

This  honour’d  guerdon  to  obtain 
Has  power  to  free  from  mental  pain. 

Such  bliss  the  envied  wealth  of  kings. 

When  crown’d  by  patient  labour  brings. 

And  emulation’s  dame.  95 

True  star  of  glory !  given  to  cheer 
The  clouds  that  hang  on  life’s  career. 

And  gild  the  path  to  fame. 

But  let  the  proud  oppressor  know 

What  torments  in  the  world  below  100 

79  ^nesidetnus,  the  father  of  Theron,  was  the  seventh  in 
lineal  descent  from  Thersander. 

100  These  are  concisely  enumerated  by  the  learned  Proper 
tius  :  (1.  HI.,  v.  39,  sqq. :) — 

“  Sub  terris  si  jura  Deum,  et  tormenta  gigantum, 

Tisiphones  atro  si  furit  angue  caput ; 

Aut  Alcinaeoni®  furi®,  aut  jejunia  Phinei ; 

Num  rota,  num  scopuli,  num  sitis  inter  aquas,”  &c. 

Tibullus  also  (Eleg.  i.  iii.  58.)  poetically  contrasts  the  joys  of 
Elysium  with  the  pains  of  Tartarus : — 

“  Ipsa  Venus  campos  ducet  ad  Elysios. 

Hie  chore®  cantusque  vigent ; — 

At  scelerata  jacet  sedes  in  nocte  profunda 


SECOND  OLYMPIC  ODE.  29 

The  harden’d  soul  await. 

By  Jove’s  command  what  judges  there 
From  stern  necessity  declare 

The  fix’d  decrees  of  fate.  108 

Where  beams  of  everlasting  day  105 

••Through  night’s  unclouded  season  play, 

Free  from  mortality’s  alloy, 

.  The  good  shall  perfect  bliss  enjoy. 

They  nor  with  daring  hands  molest 
Earth’s  torn  and  violated  breast,  110 

Nor  search  the  caverns  of  the  main 
An  empty  being  to  sustain ; 

But  with  the  honour’d  gods,  whose  ear 
The  faithful  vow  delights  to  hear, 

Shall  be  their  tearless  age  of  rest ;  115 

While  pangs  of  aspect  dire  distract  the  impious 
train.  122 

But  they  whose  spirit  thrice  refined 
Each  arduous  contest  could  endure, 

And  keep  the  firm  and  perfect  mind 

From  all  contagion  pure  ;  120 

Abdita,  quam  circum  flumina  nigra  sonant. 

Tisiphoneque  impexa  feros  pro  crinibus  angues 
Sasvit,  et  hue  illuc  impia  turba  fugit,”  &c. 

105  One  might  almost  imagine  that  Pindar  had  taken  this 
sentiment  from  a  passage  in  tho  book  of  Proverbs  (iv.  18,  19) — 

“  The  path  of  the  just  is  as  the  shining  light,  that  shineth 
more  and  more  unto  the  perfect  day. 

“  The  way  of  the  wicked  is  as  darkness.” 

117  According  to  the  scholiast,  Pindar  in  this  passage  follows 
the  Pythagorean  doctrine  of  the  metempsychosis,  and  reserves 
the  beautiful  Elysium  of  the  blessed  islands  to  those  who  have 
passed  with  the  divine  approbation  through  the  two  conditions 
of  mortality,  on  and  beneath  the  earth.  With  this  whole  de¬ 
scription  of  the  Elysian  and  Tartarian  abodes,  compare  Hesiod  ; 
(Op.  et  Dies.  225. ;)  where,  however,  the  paradise  of  the  just,  as 
well  as  the  opposite  residence  of  those  who  delight  in  violence 
and  wrong,  is  terrestrial. 

c2 


30 


PINDAR. 


Along  the  stated  path  of  Jove 
To  Saturn’s  royal  courts  above 
Have  trod  their  heavenly  way, 

Where  round  the  island  of  the  bless’d 

The  ocean  breezes  play ;  125 

There  golden  flow’rets  ever  blow, 

Some  springing  from  earth’s  verdant  breastf 
These  on  the  lonely  branches  glow, 

While  those  are  nurtured  by  the  waves  below. 
From  them  the  inmates  of  these  seats  divine  130 
Around  their  hands  and  hair  the  woven  garlands 
twine.  136 

Such  Rhadamanthus’  just  decree. 

Who  sits  by  Father  Saturn’s  side. 

Where  with  his  all-possessing  bride 
Rhea,  supreme  he  holds  his  court.  136 

In  those  high  ranks  Peleus  and  Cadmus  shine. 

And  to  the  blissful  seats  above 
The  prayer  of  Thetis  won  the  breast  of  Jove 
To  waft  the  scion  of  her  line, 

Achilles,  whose  resistless  might  140 

The  pride  and  hope  of  Troy  o’erthrew, 

Hector,  till  then  unconquer’d,  slew  ; 

Till  then  th’  unshaken  pillar  of  the  fight. 

Cycnus  the  hero  gave  to  death, 

Aurora’s  ^Ethiop  son  to  him  resign’d  his  breath.  149 

Full  many  a  sharp  and  potent  dart  146 

That  shows  unspent  the  poet’s  art. 

And  to  the  wise  sounds  clear  and  shrill. 

Rests  in  my  well-stored  quiver  still. 

But  minds  untaught  some  guide  will  need  150 
Safe  through  the  mystic  paths  to  lead ; 


143  So  Catullus,  addressing  Peleus,  says, 

“  Thessaliae  columen  Peleu.” — De  Nupt.  Pd.  a  Thet.  26. 
145  Memnon 


SECOND  OLYMPIC  ODE. 


31 


While  witlings  learn’d  with  empty  sound 
Like  crows  pursue  their  ceaseless  round, 

That  through  the  airy  plains  above 

Track  the  majestic  bird  of  Jove.  158  155 

Then  take,  my  soul,  thy  fearless  aim — 

Drawn  from  the  quiet  storehouse  say 
To  whom  thine  arrows  wing  their  way 
Along  the  path  of  fame  ? 

Far  as  proud  Agrigentum’s  height  160 

Should  they  direct  their  devious  flight. 

If  sworn  to  truth,  I  will  declare 
That  in  the  hundred  years  whose  course  hath  fled 
O’er  her  imperial  head, 

No  heart  more  friendly,  no  more  liberal  hand  165 
Than  Theron’s,  who  now  sways  the  subject  land. 
Hath  held  dominion  there.  173 

Yet  Insolence  her  voice  will  raise 
Unjust  to  thwart  the  monarch’s  praise, 

^nd  Envy’s  rancorous  tongue  invade,  170 
Casting  his  merits  into  shade. 

Howe’er  the  base  malignant  crew 
His  name  with  violence  pursue. 

If  thou  wouldst  all  his  generous  deeds  explore, 

As  soon  the  sandy  grains  thy  tongue  shall  number 
o’er.  180  ^  175 

175  So  Catullus :  (ad  Lesbiam  :) — 

Quam  magnus  nuinerus  Libyssae  arem 
Laserpiciferis  jacet  Cyrenis, 

Oraclutn  Jovis  inter  aestuosi, 

Et  Batti  veteris  sacrum  sepulchrum : 

*  ^^  *  *  *  * 

Qua?  nec  pernumerare  curiosi 
Possint.’* 


THE  THIRD  OLYMPIC  ODE. 


TO  THE  SAME  THERON,  ON  OCCASION  OF  A  VICTORY  OB¬ 
TAINED  BY  HIM  IN  THE  CHARIOT  RACE :  THE  DATE  IS 
NOT  RECORDED. 


ARGUMENT. 

This  ode  was  addressed  to  the  King  of  Agrigentum,  to  whom 
the  victory  was  announced  as  he  was  celebrating  the  The- 
oxenia :  (a  festival  in  honour  of  all  the  gods,  instituted  by  the 
inhabitants  of  Pallene,  or,  according  to  the  mythological 
story,  by  Castor  and  Pollux.)  Pindar  therefore  begins  by 
invoking  the  aid  and  approbation  of  the  Dioscnrae  and  their 
sister  Helen — thence  on  the  mention  of  the  olive  wreath  he 
digresses  to  the  fable  of  Hercules  transplanting  the  wild  olive 
tree  from  the  Hyperborean  regions  to  Olympia  He  concludes 
by  congratulating  Theron,  who  had  attained  the  highest 
point  of  human  glory,  and  attributes  his  success  to  the  favour 
of  the  twin  deities,  influenced  by  his  piety  and  the  regularity 
with  which  he. celebrated  the  festival  of  the  gods:  the  at¬ 
tempt  to  proceed  farther  would  be  as  vain  as  the  endeavour 
to  sail  beyond  the  Pillars  of  Hercules.,  the  supposed  boundary 
of  the  old  world. 


To  please  the  hospitable  pair 
Froai  godlike  Tyiidarus  who  spring, 

And  Helen,  nymph  of  lovely  hair, 

I  would  awake  th’  Olympic  string, 

And  raise  the  lyric  song,  to  crown  5 

Bright  Agrigentum  with  renown, 

And  Theron’s  glories  sing. 

Whose  steeds’  unwearied  feet  achieve  the  guerdon 
fair. 


1  This  epithet,  as  West  observes,  is  very  appropriately  be¬ 
stowed  on  the  Dioscuri,  Castor  and  Pollux,  on  ascount  of  the 
establishment,  by  them,  of  the  Theoxenia,  a  feast  to  which  the 


THIRD  OLYMPIC  ODE. 


33 


Then  may  the  muse  her  bard  inspire, 

Who  first  upon  the  Dorian  lyre  10 

Raised  the  melodious  strain  on  hig'h 
To  swell  the  pomp  of  victor}^  10 

The  verdant  wreaths  that  proudly  glow 
Round  the  triumphant  courser’s  mane, 

Call  on  the  shrill-toned  flute  to  flow,  15 

The  varied  lyre  and  well-connected  strain. 
W'hich  may  a  due  encomium  raise 
JBnesidamus’  son  to  praise.  16 

And  Pisa  joins  the  general  claim — 

From  her  proceeds  the  song  of  fame. 

To  whom  the  umpire’s  just  decree 
Awards  the  meed  of  victory. 

Prompt  to  fulfil  Alcides’  high  command, 

Who  bade  the  verdant  olive  glow 
Twined  by  th’  iEtolian  judge’s  hand 
Around  the  conqueror’s  brow.  22 
Which  erst  Amphitryo’s  godlike  son 
From  Ister’s  shady  fountains  bore. 

The  fairest  mark  of  triumph  won 
By  victor  on  Olympia’s  shore. 

Gift  of  the  Hyperborean  race. 

Who  worship  in  Apollo’s  fane, 

fods  were  invited.  With  the  opening  of  this  ode  compaie  Eu¬ 
ripides,  Orestes,  sub  fin. 

'KXcvtjv  Ztjvos  fishiOpots  veXaffUf  k.  r.  X. 

We  may  observe  that  the  praises  of  Agrigentum  are  a  fav  -irite 
theme  of  Pindar’s  grateful  muse. 

18  Thomson,  in  his  Castle  of  Indolence,  (it  13.,)  says  wf  his 
Knight  of  Arts  and  Industry,  that  ^ 

With  varied  fire 

He  roused  the  trumpet  and  the  martial  fife. 

Or  bade  the  lute  sweet  tenderness  inspire, 

Or  verses  framed  that  well  might  wake  Apollo’s  lyre. 

31  It  would  be  tedious  and  not  very  edifying  to  the  reader  to 
detail  the  various  opinions  of  the  ancients  respecting  the  geo- 


20 


25 


30 


34 


PINDAR, 


The  plant  which  shades  that  hallow’d  place 
His  voice  persuasive  could  obtain ; 

Where  Jupiter’s  tall  grove  a  shelter  gave  35 
Common  to  all  mankind,  and  chaplets  to  the  brave. 

For  now  to  his  great  father’s  name 
Perform’d  was  every  sacred  rite  ; 

And  when  the  full-orb’d  lamp  of  night 
Pour’d  from  her  golden  car  the  severing  flame,  40 
He  gave  each  fifth  revolving  year. 

Where  falls  Alphens’  high  career. 

To  judge  the  well-earn’d  meed  of  fame.  30 

But  in  Saturnian  Pelops’  vale 
No  trees  waved  beauteous  to  the  gale —  45 

No  verdant  grove,  no  depth  of  shade 
The  raging  solar  beam  allay’d ; 

His  mind  imped’d  him  then  to  go 
Where  Ister’s  streams  through  Scythian  regions 
flow  ; 

Latona’s  huntress  daughter  there  50 

Received  the  hero  as  he  came 
From  Arcady’s  deep  glens  and  summits  fair. 

graphical  position  of  the  Hyperboreans  :  some  placing  them  in 
Europe  and  others  in  Asia  ;  nay,  they  have  been  said  to  dwell 
within  the  polar  circle,  in  a  fruitful  and  temperate  clime,  free 
from  all  skyey  influences  of  an  adverse  and  malignant  nature.  In 
Olymp.  viii.  70,  Pindar  says  that  the  Ister  flows  through  the 
land  of  Scythia.  Hence  this  northern  El  Dorado  would  be 
situated  in  a  latitude  above  the  equator,  as  high  as  that  of  the 
modern  Siberia.  But  nothing  can  be  more  vague  and  undefined 
than  the  notions  of  antiquity  respecting  the  limits  of  the  Ister 
and  the  territories  of  the  Scythians.  In  the  sixth  Isthmian  ode, 
V.  36,  Pindar  appears  to  consider  the  Nile  and  the  Hyperborean 
regions  as  the  northern  and  southern  extremities  of  the  habitable 
globe.  It  appears  that  the  sacred  olive  which  the  Theban  Her¬ 
cules  is  fabled  to  have  transplanted  from  their  regions  grew 
somewhere  above  the  fountains  of  the  Ister  or  Danube.  The 
tenth  Pythian  ode  contains  a  poetical  description  of  the  fertility 
and  blessedness  of  these  Utopian  regions. 

39  The  Olympic  games  were  celebrated  on  the  day  nearest  to 


THIRD  OLYMPIC  ODE. 


35 


When,  as  Eurystheus’  will  was  told, 

Necessity  from  Father  Jove 

To  bring  the  hind  with  horns  of  gold  55 

His  persecuted  offspring  drove  : 

W' hich  erst,  in  sacred  pomp  array’d, 

Taygeta  had  given  to  please  th’  Orthosian  maid.  54 

This  as  he  urged  in  warm  pursuit. 

His  eyes  survey’d  the  region  there  60 

Which  chilling  Boreas  render’d  bare. 

Admiring  the  tall  olive’s  shoot; 

Then  sweet  desire  possess’d  his  soul 

To  plant  the  consecrated  root 

Around  the  twelve-times  circled  goal.  65 

And  now  to  crown  the  solemn  feast, 

The  hero  comes,  propitious  guest. 

With  deep-zoned  Leda’s  twinborii  pair. 

To  them  the  glorious  charge  he  gave. 

Ascending  to  Olympus’  height,  70 

To  fix  the  contest’s  laws,  and  crown  the  brave 
Who  sped  his  victor  car,  or  won  the  palm  of  might.  67 

Then  justly  noble  Theron’s  fame 
My  mind  exhorts  me  to  proclaim  ; 

And  sing  th’  Emmenidaes’  high  race,  75 

Whom  Jove’s  equestrian  offspring  grace 
With  honours  and  rewards  divine. 

So  bright  their  virtuous  actions  shine. 

By  them  the  sacred  rites  are  paid. 

By  them  the  liberal  banquet  laid  80 

With  more  abundant  plenty  stored 
Than  often  crowns  a  mortal  board.  74 

the  full  moon  of  that  month,  the  new  moon  of  which  immedi¬ 
ately  followed  the  summer  solstice. 

58  I.  e.  Diana :  so  named  from  her  salutary  obstetrical  in¬ 
fluence,  or  from  a  mountain  of  Arcadia. 

The  younger  scholiast  gives  a  long  account  of  the  reason  why 
this  stag  with  gilded  horns  was  offered  to  Diana,  who  had  benev¬ 
olently  metamorphosed  into  the  form  of  that  animal  Taygeta, 
the  daughter  of  Atlas. 


36 


PINDAR. 


If  water  then  and  shining  gold 
The  rank  of  highest  glory  hold, ' 

Even  thus  has  virtuous  Theron  gain’d  85 

The  farthest  point  by  man  attain’d. 

His  fame  has  reach’d  that  distant  land 
Where  the  Herculean  pillars  stand. 

Beyond  this  point  who  strives  to  sail, 

Wise  or  unwise,  ran  ne’er  prevail —  90 

No  farther  I  pursue — my  course  is  here  restrain’d.  81 


1-.. 


THE  FOURTH  OLYMPIC  ODE. 

TO  PSAUMIS  OF  CAMARINA,  ON  HIS  VICTORY  WITH  THE 
t^UADRIG.®,  OR  CHARIOT  WITH  FOUR  HORSES,  GAINED 
IN  THE  EIGHTY-SECOND  OLYMPIAD. 

f 

ARGUMENT. 

This  ode  opens  with  a  sublime  invocation  to  Jupiter,  and  a 
prayer  for  Psaumis. — The  poet  then  proceeds  to  the  praise 
of  the  victor,  on  account  of  his  hospitality,  love  of  peace, 

Eatriotism,  and  the  care  he  bestows  on  the  training  of  his 
orses. — Subjoins  the  story  of  Erginus,  the  son  of  Clymenus, 
as  an  excuse  for  the  premature  whiteness  of  his  hair. 


Thy  circling  hours,  immortal  .Tove, 

Who  mak’st  th’  unwearied  lightnings  move, 
With  song  and  lyre’s  accordant  string 
Rouse  me  the  victor’s  praise  to  sing. 

When  friends  succeed,  the  good  rejoice,  5 
And  hail  the  sweet-toned  herald’s  voice. 

Oh  son  of  Saturn  ! — thou  who  rul’st  above 
Where  iEtna  with  his  burning  load  impress’d 
Weighs  down  the  hundred-handed  Typhon’s  breast, 
Deign  with  thy  favour  to  approve  10 

This  hymn  which  to  the  victor’s  praise  address’d. 
Aspires  to  crow'n  th’  Olympic  strife. 

That  gilds  with  glory’s  beam  the  latest  hour  of 
life.  15 

High  on  his  car  triumphant  placed, 

His  brows  with  Pisa’s  olive  graced,  15 

Lo  !  Psaumis  brings  the  meed  of  fame 
To  raise  his  Camarina’s  name. 

PIND. — D 


38 


PINDAR 


The  god  who  joys  to  bless  thee  now, 

Propitious  hear  each  future  vow  !  22 

Him  shall  my  constant  praise  await,  20 

Who  skill’d  to  train  the  generous  steed. 

To  every  guest  unfolds  his  gate, 

And  tranquil  aids  his  native  state 
Nurtured  to  each  pacific  deed. 

No  falsehood  e’er  shall  stain  my  lay,  25 

Experience  proves  the  man,  and  will  his  worth  dis¬ 
play.  30 

From  taunts  by  Lemnian  women  made. 

This  Clymenus’  brave  offspring  freed. 

The  course,  in  brazen  arms  array’d. 

He  left  to  take  the  victor’s  meed,  30 

And  thus  Hypsipyle  address’d  : — 

“  ’Tis  I  who  gain  the  palm  of  speed. 

Mine  the  firm  hand,  th’  undaunted  breast — 

Howe’er  upon  my  youthful  brow 

Are  shed  untimely  hues  of  snow.”  42  35 


28  Erginus,  one  of  the  Argonauts,  who,  on  their  departure  for 
the  golden  fleece,  contended  at  Lemnos  in  the  funeral  games  in¬ 
stituted  by  Hypsipyle  in  memory  of  her  father  Thaos,  king  of 
the  island.  He  is  mentioned  by  Statius  (Theb.  ix.  305.)  among 
the  heroes  killed  by  Hippomedon,  who,  in  imitation  of  Achilles, 
rushes  into  the  Ismenns,  and  dies  its  waves  with  slaughter. 
Erginus’s  complaint  of  his  premature  gray  hairs  may  be  parodied 
by  Boethius  (de  Consol.  Philos,  i.  11.)  Intempestivi  funduntur 
vertice  cani.  Hesiod  (Op.  et  Dies,  181.)  mentions  as  a  mark  of 
the  iron  race  that  they  are  gray  headed  from  their  birth. 


THE  FIFTH  OLYMPIC  ODE. 


TO  THE  SAME  PSAUMIS,  ON  HIS  THREE  VICTORIES,  ONE 
IN  THE  CHARIOT  DRAWN  BY  FOUR  HORSES  ;  ANOTHER 
IN  THE  APENE,  OR  CHARIOT  DRAWN  BY  MULES  ;  AND 

THE  THIRD  IN  THE  SINGLE-HORSE  RACE - ALL  GAINED 

IN  THE  EIGHTY-SECOND  OLYMPIAD. 

ARGUMENT. 

The  poet  in  this  ode  invocates  Camarlna,  a  sea  nymph,  from 
whom  the  town  and  lake  in  Sicily  were  fabled  to  have  taken 
their  name ;  to  bespeak  her  favourable  acceptance  of  the 
hymn  in  which  are  celebrated  the  three  victories  of  Psaumis  ; 
whom  he  also  commends  for  his  liberality  and  patriotism. — 
Concludes  by  supplicating  Jupiter  to  grant  continued  pros¬ 
perity  to  the  victor,  and  expressing  liis  own  good  wishes  to¬ 
wards  him. 


Daughter  of  Ocean  !  this  sweet  strain, 

Which  Psaumis’  lofty  virtues  wake, 

Whose  mules  untired  glide  o’er  Olympia’s  plain, 

And  victory’s  fairest  chaplet  gain, 

With  mind  propitious  take.  7  5 

Eager  to  grace  with  high  renown, 

Oh  Camarina !  thy  well-peopled  town ; 

To  the  bright  rulers  of  the  skies 
He  bade  the  six  twin  altars  rise. 

And  spread  to  each  celestial  guest  10 

Of  oxen  slain  the  liberal  feast ; 

Five  times  the  sun’s  diurnal  blaze 
Each  well-contested  strife  surveys, 

The  strong-yoked  chariot’s  conquering  speed, 
Drawn  by  fleet  mule  or  generous  steed ;  15 


40 


PINDAR. 


Or  where  impatient  of  control 
The  courser  presses  to  the  goal.  15 
Thy  mighty  combatant  to  thee 
Conveys  the  meed  of  victory, 

That  bids  the  herald’s  loud  acclaim  20 

Join  with  thy  new-built  walls  his  father  Acron’s 
name.  19 

From  Pelops’  and  CEnomaus’  pleasant  seat, 

Oh  Pallas  !  our  loved  city’s  guardian  pride, 
The  victor  comes  with  festal  hymn  to  greet 
Thy  solemn  grove  and  fair  Oanus’  tide,  25 
The  native  lake,  the  sacred  source 
Whence  Hipparis  directs  his  course. 

And  pours,  the  thirsting  host  to  lave, 

Through  long  canals  his  fruitful  wave, 
Transported  down  whose  rapid  tide  30 

Beams  for  the  stable  fabrics  glide, 

When  Psaumis  rears  the  wondrous  pile. 
Lightens  his  country’s  woes,  and  renovates  her 
smile. 

But  labour  still  and  cost  his  steps  attend. 

Whose  virtue  strives  to  gain  this  glorious  end, 
Around  his  path  uncertain  hazards  wait,  36 
And  clouds  obscure  the  mighty  combat’s  fate — 
Yet  when  his  persevering  toils  succeed, 

A  nation’s  voice  confirms  the  wisdom  of  the  deed.  38 

Hear,  earth’s  protecting  sovereign,  Jove,  40 
Who  dwell’st  enthron’d  in  clouds  above. 

And  on  the  Cronian  mount — whose  care 
Alpheus’  widely  flowing  wave. 

And  Ida’s  venerable  cave 

Protects,  oh  hear  thy  suppliant’s  prayer ! —  45 

Who,  breathing  on  his  Lydian  reed. 

Implores  thee  still  to  crown  this  state  with  valour’s 
meed. 

Oh  Psaumis !  victor  in  th’  Olympic  strife. 

Who  mak’st  Neptunian  steeds  thy  joy  and  pride, 


FIFTH  OLYMPIC  ODE. 


41 


May  placid  age  attend  thy  closing  life, 
Thy  children  standing  round  to  grace  a 
side !  53 

Of  fortune’s  ample  stores  possess’d, 
And  with  fair  reputation  bless’d. 

No  higher  let  thy  wishes  rise. 

Since  all  that  mortals  gain  is  thine. 
Nor  madly  try  to  reach  the  skies. 
Ambitious  of  a  lot  divine.  57 
d2 


J 


\ 


50 

father's 


55 


r 


THE  SIXTH  OLYMPIC  ODE. 


TO  AGESIAS  OF  SYRACUSE,  ON  HIS  VICTORY  IN  THS 
CHARIOT  DRAWN  BY  MULES. 


ARGUMENT. 

The  scholiast  infonns  us  that  this  ode,  according  to  some,  was 
inscribed  to  Stymohelius,  son  of  Sostratus,  and  that  his  victory 
was  achieved  in  tne  eighty  sixtb  or  eighty-seventh  Olympiad. 
— The  poem  opens  with  a  noble  simile  drawn  from  the  front¬ 
ispiece  of  a  building,  to  which  he  compares  the  opening  of 
his  ode,  expatiating  on  the  glory  of  the  Olympic  contest. — He 
then  proceeds  to  mention  the  praises  and  regret  expressed  by 
Adrastus  on  Amphiaraus,  occasioned  by  the  death  of  the  lat¬ 
ter  ;  instituting  a  comparison  between  Agesias  and  the  The¬ 
ban  seer. — I’he  birth  of  lamus,  one  of  the  ancestors  of  the 
victor,  who  are  thence  called  lamidae,  is  then  related  at  great 
length,  together  with  the  story  of  Evadne,  daughter  of  JEpy- 
tus. — Agesias  derived  his  lineage  on  the  mother’s  side  from 
Arcadia ;  and  as  there  was  a  connection  between  the  inhab¬ 
itants  of  that  country  and  the  Thebans,  the  poet  includes 
them  in  his  praises. — He  then  addresses  ./Eneas,  the  master 
of  the  chorus,  whom  he  compliments  on  his  musical  skill, 
and  exhorts  to  wipe  away  by  his  exertions  the  proverbial  dis¬ 
grace  attached  to  his  countrymen  by  the  appellation  of  Boeotian 
swine. — Renews  his  praise  of  Agesias,  and  concludes  with  a 
prayer  to  Neptune,  still  to  keep  the  victor  under  his  propi¬ 
tious  ^lidance,  and  to  render  the  poet’s  hymns  agreeable  to 
those  in  whose  honour  they  are  written  and  sung. 


Oft  as  the  architect’s  creative  hand 
Bids  the  fair  porch  on  golden  columns  rise, 

And  all  the  dome’s  magnificence  expand, 

To  strike  the  gazing  eye  with  mute  surprise — 

1  Gwillim,  in  a  quaint  epigram  placed  after  the  title  page  to 
his  book  on  heraldry,  thus  alludes  to  the  opening  of  this  ode  : — 

“  The  noble  Pindar  doth  compare  somewhere, 

Writing  with  building,  and  instructs  us  theio 


SIXTH  OLYMPIC  ODE. 


43 


Thus  splendid  from  afar  should  gleam  6 

A  noble  deed’s  incipient  beam — 

The  guard  of  Jove’s  prophetic  shrine, 

If  he  thy  wreath,  Olympia,  bear, 

Sprung  from  that  old  and  noble  line 
Who  founded  Syracusa  fair,  10 

A  grateful  city  hymns  the  hero’s  name, 

While  her  unenvying  sons  unite  in  glad  acclaim  1 1 

In  this  exalted  station  placed. 

The  son  of  Sostratus  is  found 

With  no  inglorious  chaplet  graced,  15 

But  with  his  well-earn’d  honours  crown’d. 

The  warrior  on  the  battle  plain. 

The  sailor  on  the  trackless  main, 

Through  paths  of  peril  and  dismay 
Wins  to  renown  his  arduous  way,  20 

And  when  his  toils  achieve  some  glorious  deed, 
The  memory  of  the  good  shall  be  his  meed. 

Agesias,  may  such  ready  praise  be  thine, 

As  to  Oiclides,  seer  of  Theban  line, 

Adrastus  gave,  when  in  an  earthly  tomb  25 
Himself  and  noble  steeds  were  hurried  to  their 
doom. 

But  when  the  seven  funeral  pyres 
Raised  to  the  dead  their  sacred  fires, 

In  sorrow  thus  his  Theban  host 

The  son  of  Talaus  address’d  :  30 

“  The  pride  of  all  my  army  lost 

Fills  with  regret  this  aching  breast. 

Quench’d  is  the  augur’s  prescient  light, 
Nerveless  the  warrior’s  arm  of  fight.” 

That  every  great  and  goodly  edifice 
Doth  ask  to  have  a  comely  frontispiece. 

23  Amphiaraus,  son  of  Oicleus.  I  have  here  followed  the 
ingenious  emendation  of  Dr.  Bloomfield,  cv  AipK^,  instead  of  the 
common  flat  reading  tv  Stnq. 


44 


PINDAR. 


The  triumphs  which  these  hymns  afford  35 
Wait  on  my  Syracusan  lord.  32 

No  lover  of  contention,  I 
Respect  my  oath’s  compulsive  tie— - 
And  while  this  honest  suffrage  crowns  my  lays, 

The  sweet-toned  muses’  choir  will  ratify  his  praise. 

Oh,  Phintis!  spurn  each  dull  delay,  41 

And  haste  the  vigorous  mules  to  join — 

Pursue  thy  clear  and  open  way 
To  reach  his  ancestors’  remotest  line.  41 

No  other  guide  our  steps  will  need  45 

Safe  through  these  lofty  paths  to  lead. 

Since  upon  their  victorious  brow 
Olympia’s  verdant  chaplets  glow — 

Then  to  their  flight  expanding  wide 

Let  us  unbar  the  gates  of  song —  50 

Where  Pitane  in  towering  pride 

O’erlooks  Eurotas’  sacred  tide. 

This  day  the  bard  must  pass  along.  47 

To  Neptune  of  Saturnian  race 

She  the  black-hair’d  Evadne  bore —  55 

40  The  commonly  received  interpretation  of  the  word  PAtn- 
fis  or  Philtis,  given  by  the  elder  scholiast,  is  doubtless  the 
true  one,  viz.,  the  poet’s  own  soul,  considered  as  the  directing 
charioteer  of  the  body.  With  this  passage  compare  Cowley  (to 
his  muse :) — 

“  Go,  the  rich  chariot  instantly  prepare, 

The  queen,  my  muse,  will  take  the  air.. 

The  wheels  of  thy  bold  coach  pass  quick  and  free. 

And  all’s  an  open  road  to  thee — 

Whatever  god  did  say. 

Is  all  thy  plain  and  smooth,  uninterrupted  way.” 

50  The  metaphor  here  is  strikingly  simitar  to  that  in  Psalm 
cxviii.  23. 

“  Open  me  the  gates  of  righteousness,  that  I  may  go  into  them, 
and  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord.” 


SIXTH  OLYMPIC  ODE. 


45 


This  tale  to  rumour’s  voice  we  trace — 

But  when  the  circling  moons  reveal’d 
What  virgin  throes  her  bosom  long  conceal’d, 

To  brave  Eitatides  her  high  command 

Bade  the  attendant  damsels  bear  60 

The  nursling  to  the  hero’s  care, 

Whose  sceptre  ruled  Arcadia’s  land 
In  fair  Phaesana  by  Alpheus’  shore. 

Apollo  taught  her  there  to  prove 

The  fond  solicitudes  of  love.  57  65 

When  time  to  .®pytus  confess’d 
The  stolen  caresses’  fruit  divine, 

The  hero  in  his  manly  breast 
Unutterable  rage  repress’d. 

And  humbly  sought  the  Pythian  shrine,  70 
With  mind  intent  the  end  to  know 
Of  this  intolerable  wo. 

Her  virgin  zone  with  saffron  died. 

And  urn  of  silver  laid  aside, 

In  the  thick  grove  conceal’d  from  sight  75 
She  brought  the  heavenly  babe  to  light. 
Meanwhile  the  god  with  golden  hair 
Propitious  fate  invoked,  and  kind  Eleutho’s  care.  72 

Her  pleasing  pains  without  delay 
Produced  young  lamus  to  day.  80 

While  there  upon  the  verdant  glade 
By  his  afflicted  parent  laid. 

Two  dragons  of  caerulean  eye 
Commission’d  by  the  will  divine. 

With  bees’  innoxious  produce-hie  85 

To  feed  the  youth  of  heavenly  line. 

But  when  from  Pytho’s  rocky  height 
The  monarch  urged  his  chariot’s  flight. 

He  sought  of  all  the  menial  train 

Evadne’s  infant  to  regain,  90 

77  I.  e.  Apollo :  this  epithet  is  applied  by  Alcaeus  to  Zephyrus. '' 
(Frag.  V.  ap.  Blomf.)  ^pwoKoixqL  Ze<pvp(p  piytiaa. 


46 


PINDAR. 


Whom  erst  from  his  prophetic  throne 
Phoebus,  he  said,  had  call’d  his  own.  84 

That  he,  o’er  all  of  mortal  birth. 

His  sire’s  prophetic  pow’er  might  claim, 

Nor  should  his  race  e’er  fail  on  earth  95 

To  keep  alive  their  deathless  name. 

Thus  spoke  the  god — but  they  averr’d 
No  eye  had  seen,  no  ear  had  heard ; 

Though  since  his  natal  day 
The  fifth  revolving  sun  had  shed  100 

Its  lustre  o’er  the  infant’s  head.  89 
Meanwhile  within  the  rushy  glade. 

And  tangled  bushes’  thickest  shade, 

His  tender  frame  all  wet  with  dew. 

And  gemm’d  with  violet’s  purple  hue,  105 
Conceal’d  from  human  sight  he  lay  93 
And  hence  his  mother  bade  the  prophet’s  name 
To  each  succeeding  age  his  birth  proclaim. 

Soon  as  he  gain’d  from  opening  time 
The  golden  flower  of  youthful  prime,  110 

Shrouded  in  night  his  steps  he  bore 
Down  to  Alpheus’  middle  shore. 

Invoking  from  the  depths  below 
His  great  forefather  Neptune’s  might. 

And  potent  sire,  whose  silver  bow  115 

Defends  the  heaven-built  Delos’  height. 

That  public  honour  and  renown 

His  brows  might  with  their  chaplet  crown. 

When  thus  in  accents  of  eternal  truth  119 

His  father’s  voice  approved  the  suppliant’s  prayer. 
To  Pisa’s  crowded  plain,  adventurous  youth, 
Follow  my  call,  and  strive  for  glory  there.”  108 

104  The  exquisite  periphrasis  of  the  oririnal  may  be  illus¬ 
trated  by  a  passage  in  Lord  Byron,  (Childe  Harold,  iv.  cxvii.) 

“  The  sweetness  of  the  violet’s  deep-blue  dies, 

Kiss’d  by  the  breath  of  heaven,  seems  colour’d  by  its  skies.” 


SIXTH  OLYMPIC  ODE. 


47 


To  lofty  Cronium’s  sun-crown’d  hill  they  came ; 
Where  great  Apollo  bade  his  son  receive 
A  twofold  portion  of  prophetic  fame  ;  125 

To  hear  the  voice  that  knows  not  to  deceive — 

But  when  the  glory  of  Amphitryo’s  line 
Alcides  prosperous  in  each  bold  design 
Appear’d  to  crown  his  sire’s  immortal  feast, 

From  every  clime  to  call  the  frequent  guest,  130 
And  fix  the  laws  of  each  heroic  game, 

He  placed  the  augur’s  seat  near  Jove’s  exalted 
shrine.  119 

New  glories  hence  through  Hellas  grace 
Th’  lamidae’s  illustrious  race — 

And  wealth  attends  to  crown  their  state —  135 
For  those  who  seek  with  high  emprise 
The  steep  where  virtue’s  guerdon  lies, 

The  brightest  w'alks  of  life  await. 

In  his  own  path  each  seeks  renown. 

But  carping  Envy  most  his  course  attends,  140 
Who  first  to  win  Olympia’s  crown 
Twelve  times  around  the  goal  his  chariot  bends — 
On  him  sweet  Grace  distils  a  lustre  all  her  own.  128 

Agesias!  if  thy  brave  maternal  line, 

Who  dwelt  beneath  Cyllene’s  hallow’d  shade,  145 
Duly  their  suppliant  vows  and  rites  divine 
To  Mercury,  the  god's  swift  herald,  paid  ; 

Whose  favouring  power  the  contest’s  law  maintains. 
And  guards  Arcadia’s  richly  peopled  plains ; 

By  him  and  by  his  thundering  sire  decreed,  150 
Oh  son  of  Sostratus !  expect  the  victor’s  meed. 

Another  motive  pronvpts  my  tongue — 

Which  as  the  stone  that  whets  the  blade 
Upon  its  sharpening  surface  laid. 

Impels  me  down  the  flowing  tide  of  song.  143  155 

153  Pindar  uses  the  same  metaphor — (Pyth,  i.  172.)  Hence 


48 


PINDAR. 


From  the  Stymphalian  nymph,  Metopa  fair, 

My  mother  drew  the  vital  air — 

Within  equestrian  Thebes,  whose  fame 
Salutes  her  with  a  founder’s  name. 

At  her  pure  wave  my  thirst  I  slake,  and  raise  160 
The  varied  hymn  that  chants  the  warriors’  praise. 

Now,  iEneas,  urge  thy  tuneful  band, 

Parthenian  Juno  first  demands  the  strain.  150 
Then  let  clear  truth  the  old  disgrace 
That  loads  Boeotia’s  sons  efface  ;  165 

Thou,  like  the  general’s  trusty  wand. 

Art  charged  the  faithful  embassy  to  bear. 

From  the  sweet  muses  with  the  lovely  hair. 

Who  bade  thy  cup  the  sounding  lays  retain.  155 

Command  them  in  their  grateful  verse  170 
The  praise  of  Hiero  to  rehearse. 

That  monarch  whose  unblemish’d  sway 
Ortygia’s  isle  and  Syracuse  obey. 

probably  Horace  borrowed  the  idea  in  his  well-known  lines,  (ad 
Pis.  304  :)— 

“  Fungar  vice  cotis,  acutum 
Reddere  quae  ferrum  valet,  exsors  ipsa  secandi.” 

166  The  scholiast  on  this  passage  gives  a  long  explanation  of 
the  scytale,  or  staff,  which  was  used  in  battle  to  convey  orders 
from  the  Lacedaemonian  general  that  were  to  be  unintelligible  to 
all  but  the  person  to  whom  they  were  sent. — (Corn.  Nepos.  in  vit. 
Pausan.  cap.  3.)  Aulus  Gellius  is  still  more  minute  in  his  ac¬ 
count  of  this  enigmatical  wand.  (Lib.  xvii.,  cap.  ix.  1.)  His 
description  is  too  long  to  be  transcribed,  and  will  not  easily  ad¬ 
mit  of  abbreviation.  Pindar  calls  jEneas  the  scytale  of  the 
muses,  as  being  the  faithful  messenger  in  conveying  his  poetical 
strains  to  those  in  whose  honour  they  were  addressed. 

172  The  reader  will  be  reminded  by  this  passage,  especially 
in  the  original,  in  which  Hiero  is  spoken  of  as  governing  with  a 
clear  sceptre,  of  Macbeth’s  commendation  of  the  royal  Duncan  : — 

“  Besides,  this  Duncan 
Hath  borne  his  faculties  so  meek,  hath  been 
So  clear  in  his  great  office.'^ 


SIXTH  OLYMPIC  ODE. 


49 


To  Ceres  and  her  daughter  fair 
Whose  milk-white  steeds  the  goddess  bear, 
Duly  he  pays  each  sacred  rite,  176 

Adoring  Jove’s  jGtn?ean  might. 

His  name  the  song  and  sweet-toned  lyre  resound, 
Oh !  may  no  future  age  his  happy  state  confound ! 

With  willing  mind  may  he  receive  160 

The  hymn  which  in  Agesias’  praise  1  weave. 

Since.  Fortune  now  the  hero  calls 
To  kindred  Syracuse  again, 

Far  from  his  own  Stymphalian  walls 

That  crown  Arcadia’s  fleecy  plain.  185 

E’en  thus  amid  the  wintry  tides, 

Secure  the  rapid  vessel  rides, 

If  two  firm  anchors’  grasp  her  bulk  maintain.  173 

Still  may  the  god  exalt  thy  state 

With  either  nation’s  prosperous  fate  ;  190 

And  sceptred  Amphitrite’s  lord. 

Whose  trident  rules  the  stormy  sea, 

Thniugh  his  own  realm  a  path  afford 
Frotn  adverse  winds  and  troubles  free. 

Adorning  with  sweet  flowers  my  song,  195 

To  hail  thy  vessel  as  it  speeds  along.  180 

188  Compare  Casimir,  (Lyric,  iv.  36,  27.) 

“  Fortius  proram  gemino  revincit 
Anchora  morsu.” 


FIND. — E 


fHE  SEVENTH  OLYMPIC  ODE. 


TO  DIAGORAS,  THE  RHODIAN,  ON  HIS  VICTORY  WITH  TH* 
C^STUS,  GAINED  IN  THE  SEVENTY-NINTH  OLYMPIAD. 

S 

ARGUMENT. 

Pindar  begins  this  beautiful  ode  (which,  as  the  younger  scho 
hast  informs  us,  was  said  to  have  been  written  in  letters  of 
gold,  and  suspended  in  the  temple  of  Minerva)  with  a  highly 
poetical  simile  drawn  from  domestic  life,  which  introduces 
the  praise  of  the  Rhodian  victor  and  his  race. — He  then  pro¬ 
ceeds  to  the  story  of  Tlepolemus,  an  ancestor  of  Diagoras, 
who,  after  having  murdered  Licymnius,  departed  for  Rhodes 
by  the  command  of  Apollo  ;  the  shower  of  gold  which  Jupiter 
caused  to  descend  there. — Then  follow  the  fables  respecting 
the  origin  of  Rhodes,  the  birth  of  Pallas,  her  most  ancient 
sacrifices  instituted  without  the  aid  of  fire,  and  the  gifts  im¬ 
parted  by  her  to  the  favoured  Rhodians,  especially  their  skill 
in  statuary. — Then  follows  a  digression  explaining  the  reason 
for  consecrating  the  island  to  the  sun — (Hyperionides ;)  his 
intrigue  with  the  nymph  Rhodes,  from  whicn  sprang  seven 
sons,  one  of  whom  gave  birth  to  Camirus,  Hindus,  and  lalysus, 
who  built  the  three  cities  of  the  island  of  Rhodes,  which  were 
named  after  them. 

The  poet  then  proceeds  to  panegyrize  Tlepolemus  and  Diagoras, 
enun.erating  the  several  victories  of  the  latter. 

The  ode  concludes  with  an  invocation  to  Jupiter,  to  whom  di¬ 
vine  honours  were  paid  on  Atabyrius,  a  mountain  of  Rhodes, 
propitiating  his  continued  favour  both  for  the  poet  and  the 
victor,  and  a  moral  reflection  on  the  mutability  of  human  for¬ 
tune. 


As  when  a  sire  the  golden  bowl 
All  foaming  with  the  dew  of  wine, 

Takes  with  a  liberal  hand  and  soul, 

Chief  gem  where  all  his  treasures  shine— 

Then  tends  the  beverage  (hallow’d  first  6 
By  prayers  to  all  the  powers  above) 


SEVENTH  OLYMPIC  ODE. 


51 


To  slake  the  youthful  bridegroom’s  thirst, 

In  honour  of  connubial  love. 

The  social  pledge  he  bears  on  high, 

And  homeward  as  his  course  he  bends,  10 
Blesses  the  fond  connubial  tie, 

Admired  by  all  his  circling  friends.  1 1 

E’en  thus  I  bring  the  nectar’d  strain. 

The  muses’  gift,  to  those  who  gain 
The  Pythian  and  Olympic  crown;  15 

Thrice  bless’d,  to  whom  ’tis  giv’n  to  share 
The  arduous  fruit  of  mental  care. 

Cheer’d  by  the  voice  of  high  renown  ! 

Full  many  a  victor  in  the  fray 
My  life-inspiring  strains  survey —  20 

Which  bids  the  sweet-toned  lyre  its  music  raise, 
And  wake  the  sounding  flutes  through  all  their  notes 
of  praise.  22 

And  now,  Diagoras,  to  thee 
They  breathe  united  melody. 

When  Rhodes  the  warlike  isle  is  sung,  25 
Apollo’s  bride  from  Venus  sprung ; 

He  too,  the  hero  brave  and  bold. 

With  hardy  frame  of  giant  mould. 

Who  by  Alpheus’  sacred  tide. 

And  where  Castalia’s  waters  glide,  30 

First  in  the  caestus’  manly  fray 
Bore  the  triumphant  prize  away. 

Let  Damagetus  next,  his  sire, 

To  justice  dear,  the  strain  inspire. 

Fix’d  on  that  isle  which  three  fair  cities  grace,  35 
Where  Embolus  protects  wide  Asia’s  coast. 

They  dwell  united  with  the  Argive  host.  35 

36  “  Lycia,”  says  the  younger  scholiast,  “  is  opposite  to 
Rhodes,  and  in  Lycia  is  a  place  called  Embolus,  sharp  and  nar¬ 
row,  and  jutting  into  the  sea,  so  named  from  its  resemblance  to 
the  prow  of  a  ship.”  > 


52 


PINDAR. 


Now  to  Tlepolemus  my  song  would  trace 
As  its  first  source  Alcides’  potent  race. 

From  Jove  their  sire’s  high  lineage  springs  ;  40 
While  to  Astydameia’s  line 
Amyntor,  born  of  race  divine, 

An  equal  lustre  brings.  42 

But  ah  !  what  crimes  round  erring  mortals  wait, 
Unnumber’d  torments  in  their  happiest  state —  45 

Who,  ere  the  checker’d  scene  of  life  be  past, 

Can  tell  if  weal  or  wo  shall  mark  his  lot  at  last  ?  48 

Since  the  high  founder  of  the  Rhodian  state, 
Impell’d  by  fierce  ungovernable  hate, 

Laid  with  his  olive  sceptre’s  deadly  blow  60 

On  earth  Alcmena’s  bastard  brother  low. 

Licymnius,  whom  his  hand  to  Pluto  sent, 

From  Midea’s  chamber  as  his  steps  he  bent. 

’Tis  thus  the  maddening  tumults  of  the  mind 
Have  oft  seduced  the  wisest  of  mankind.  56  55 

He  sought  the  god  who  could  unfold 
The  purpose  of  the  will  divine, 

When  thus  the  power  with  locks  of  gold 
Spoke  from  his  perfume-breathing  shrine : 

Go,  launch  your  fleet  from  Lerne’s  strand,  60 
To  gain  the  sea-encircled  land. 

Where  the  great  monarch  of  the  skies 
Sent  from  his  golden  clouds  a  shower 
With  flames  commission’d  to  devour 

Th’  accepted  sacrifice.  6.'' 

What  time  by  aid  of  Vulcan’s  art 
And  brazen  axe,  Minerva  sprang 

38  Homer  relates  the  history  of  Tlepolemus,  son  of  Hercule.* 
and  Astydameia,  and  the  Rhodians  at  great  length,  (II.  ii,  653.) 

TXjjTToXe/ios  d'  'HpaicX£(5>7f,  tivf  re  [leyas  re, 

Ek  *PoSov  evvca  vrjas  ayev,  k.  t.  X. 

Astydameia  was  the  daughter  of  Amyntor,  son  of  Jupiter, 


SEVENTH  OLYMPIC  ODE. 


63 


From  Jove’s  head  with  impetuous  start, 

With  long-continued  warlike  clang : 

While  heaven’s  high  dome  and  mother  earth  70 
Shuddering  beheld  the  wondrous  birth.  70 

Then  too  the  god  whose  splendour  bright 
Glads  mortals  with  his  radiant  light, 

Bade  his  loved  sons  the  high  behest  obey. 

Them  first  he  urged  to  rear  the  splendid  shrine,  75 
And  to  the  goddess  every  rite  divine 

With  prompt  submissive  reverence  pay. 

This  their  immortal  sire  with  joy  would  cheer, 

And  please  the  maid  who  wields  her  sounding  spear. 

Yet  oft  oblivion’s  shadowy  veil  80 

O’erclouds  the  well-intending  mind  ; 

Then  wise  Prometheus’  counsels  fail. 

And  reason’s  path  is  left  behind. 

So  they,  obedient  to  their  heavenly  sire, 

Bade  in  th’  acropolis  an  altar  rise,  85 

But  carried  to  the  shrine  no  spark  of  fire 
To  waft  from  earth  the  pious  sacrifice. 

On  them  the  supplicated  power 
Rain’d  from  his  yellow  cloud  a  golden  shower. 

87  This  was  a  clear  manifestation  of  the  divine  presence. 
The  same  portent  attended  the  birth  of  Apollo,  according  to 
Callimachus,  (in.  Del.  260  :) — 

Xpvaea  toi  tote  iravra  Ocfiei^ia  yecvETo  A>?X«, 

Xpv<T(f>  Se  rpo^oEffcra  navTjpEpog  EppEC  Xipvtj,  k.  t.  A. 

Thus,  too,  at  the  birth  of  Hercules,  Bromia  relates  to  the  aston¬ 
ished  Amphitryo,  (Act.  v.,  sc.  i.  44:) — 

“  Aides  totae  confulgebant  tufe,  quasi  essent  aureaey 

So  Theocritus,  (Idyl.  24 :) — 

“  And  see  what  light  o’er  all  the  chamber  falls  ! 

Though  yet  not  mom,  how  visible  the  walls ! 

Some  strange  event !” — Polwhele's  version. 

Compare  also  Homer,  (Od.  xix.  37—40.) 

E  2 


54 


PINDAR. 


Meanwhile  the  maid  with  azure  eye  90 

Her  favour’d  Rhodians  deign’d  to  grace 
Above  all  else  of  mortal  race, 

With  arts  of  manual  industry. 

Hence  framed  by  the  laborious  hand, 

The  animated  figures  stand,  95 

Adorning  every  public  street. 

And  seem  to  breathe  in  stone,  or  move  their  marble 
feet.  98 

Wisdom  true  glory  can  impart 
Without  the  aid  of  magic  art. 

As  ancient  fame  reports,  when  Jove  100 

And  all  th’  immortal  powers  above 
Held  upon  earth  divided  sway  ; 

Not  yet  had  Rhodes  in  glittering  pride 
On  Ocean’s  breast  appear’d  to  ride. 

But  hid  beneath  his  briny  caverns  lay.  105  105 

Then  while  the  absent  god  of  light 
Delay’d  to  claim  his  equal  share, 

No  friendly  voice  maintain’d  his  right 
Of  all  the  bless’d  assembly  there. 

Jove,  to  repair  the  wrong,  in  vain  110 

W’ish’d  to  adjudge  the  lots  again. 

Since  in  his  course  the  sun  had  found 
Retired  within  the  hoary  deep 
A  fertile  land  with  heroes  crown’d. 

Prolific  nurse  of  fleecy  sheep.  116  115 

Then  straight  he  gave  the  high  command 
To  Lachesis,  whose  locks  of  jet 

97  Pindar,  probably  alludes  to  the  Telchines,  an  ancient  peo¬ 
ple  of  Rhodes,  much  addicted  to  magical  fascination,  mom 
which  probably  they  derive  their  name ;  (Ov.  Met.  vii.  365  :) — 

“  Phoebeamque  Rhodon,  et  lalysios  Telchinas, 

Quorum  oculos  ipso  vitiantes  omnia  visa 
Jupiter  exosus,yra/er7iis  abdiait  undis." 

117  This  ratifying  power,  which  distinguishes  Lachesis  above 


SEVENTH  OLYMPIC  ODE 


55 


Are  gather’d  in  a  golden  net, 

To  fix  with  her  extended  hand 

The  oath  that  binds  the  powers  above,  120 

And  stamp  with  fate  the  nod  of  Jove, 

Which  the  bright  isle  emerging  from  the  wave. 

To  Phoebus  and  his  latest  offspring  gave.  124 

Hence  o’er  the  land  extends  his  sway 

Who  darts  the  piercing  beams  of  day  ;  125 

The  charioteer  whose  guiding  rein 

Wide  over  the  celestial  plain 

His  fire-exhaling  steeds  obey.  130 

With  Rhodos  there  in  amorous  embrace 
Conjoin’d,  the  god  begat  a  valiant  race  ;  130 

Seven  noble  sons,  with  wisdom’s  gifts  endow’d 
By  their  great  sire  above  the  vulgar  crowd. 
Cameirus  from  this  root  with  Lind  us  came. 

And  lalysus,  venerable  name  ; 

Three  chiefs  who  over  the  divided  land  135 

In  equal  portions  held  supreme  command. 

Apart  they  reign’d,  and  bade  each  city  bear 

The  monarch’s  name  who  sway’d  the  sceptre  there. 

In  that  bless’d  isle  secure  at  last 
’Twas  thine,  Tlepolemus,  to  meet  140 

For  each  afflictive  trial  past 
A  recompense  and  respite  sweet. 

Chief  of  Tirynthian  hosts,  to  thee 
As  to  a  present  deity, 

The  fumes  of  slaughter’d  sheep  arise  145 

In  all  the  pomp  of  sacrifice  : 

Awarded  by  thy  just  decree 
'Fhe  victor  gains  his  verdant  prize. 

her  sister  Destinies,  is  also  asserted  by  Plutarch  :  (De  Facie  in 
Orbe  Lunae,  sub  finem  ) 

129  Their  names,  according  to  the  scholiast,  were  Cercaphus, 
Ochimus,  Actis,  Macaresas,  Tenages,  Triopes,  Phaethon. 


56 


PINDAR. 


That  crown  whose  double  honours  glow, 
Diagoras,  around  thy  brow:  150 

On  which  four  times  the  Isthmian  pine, 

And  twice  the  Nemean  olive  shine  : 

While  Athens  on  her  rocky  throne 
Made  her  illustrious  wreath  his  own.  151 

Trophies  of  many  a  well-fought  field  155 

He  won  in  glory’s  sacred  cause, 

The  Theban  tripod,  brazen  shield 
At  Argos,  and  Arcadia’s  vase. 

Her  palms  Bceotia’s  genuine  contests  yield ; 

Six  times  iEgina’s  prize  he  gain’d,  160 

As  oft  Pellene’s  robe  obtain’d. 

And  graved  in  characters  of  fame. 

Thy  column,  Megara,  records  his  name.  159 

Great  sire  of  all,  immortal  Jove, 

On  Atabyrius’  mount  enshrined,  165 

Oh  !  still  may  thy  propitious  mind 
Th’  encomiastic  hymn  approve. 

Which  celebrates  in  lawfiil  strain 
The  victor  on  Olympia’s  plain. 

Whose  valorous  arm  the  caestus  knows  to  wield. 

Protected  by  thy  constant  care,  171 

In  citizens’  and  strangers’  eyes 
Still  more  exalted  shall  he  rise 
Whose  virtuous  deeds  thy  favour  share : 

151  Athens  is  here  put  synecdochically  for  the  whole  of 
Attica.  Pindar,  as  the  younger  scholiast  observes,  leaves  it 
doubtful  in  what  Attic  contest  Diagoras  came  off  victorious: 
whether  in  the  Panathenaic,  the  Heraclean,  the  Eleusinian, 
or  the  Panhellenic ;  or  whether  he  obtained  the  prize  in  all 
theso.  The  same  epithet  is  applied  by  Homer  to  Ithaca :  (II,  iu 
201.) 

165  A  mountain  in  Rhodes,  on  which  was  erected  a  temple 
to  Jupiter,  containing  brazen  bulls,  that,  according  to  the  scho¬ 
liast,  had  the  property  of  lowing  whenever  any  unseemly  action 
was  about  to  be  committed  there. 


SEVENTH  OLYMPIC  ODE. 


57 


Since  he  to  violence  and  fraud  unknown,  175 

Treads  the  straight  paths  of  equity  alone : 

His  fathers’  counsels  mindful  to  pursue, 

And  keep  their  bright  example  still  in  view. 

Then  let  not  inactivity  disgrace 
The  well-earn’d  fame  of  thine  illustrious  race,  180 
Who  sprang  from  great  Callianax,  and  crown 
Th’  Eratidae  with  splendour  all  their  own. 

With  joy  and  festal  hymns  the  streets  resound — 

But  soon,  as  shifts  the  ever  varying  gale, 

The  storms  of  adverse  fortune  may  assail —  185 

Then,  Rhodians,  be  your  mirth  with  sober  temper 
ance  crown’d.  175 


■;ti  if*  Ml 


THE  EIGHTH  OLYMPIC  ODE. 

ro  THE  YOUTH  ALCIMEDON,  ON  HIS  VICTORY  IN  THE 
PALAESTRA,  GAINED  IN  THE  EIGHTEENTH  OLYMPIAD  ; 
HIS  BROTHER  TIMOSTHENES,  VICTOR  IN  THE  NEMEAN 
GAMES  ;  AND  TO  THEIR  PRiECEPTOR,  OR  ALIPTA,* 
MELESIAS. 


ARGUMENT. 

■o 

This  ode  begins  with  an  address  to  Olympia ;  after  which  Pin¬ 
dar  proceeds  to  congratulate  Alcimedon  and  Timosthenes, 
the  former  on  his  Olympic,  and  the  latter  on  his  recent  Ne- 
mean  victory. — Then  follow  the  praises  of  the  victor’s  native 
island  ^Egina,  from  its  founder  .^acus,  a  theme  which  ap¬ 
pears  to  be  always  grateful  to  our  poet,  who  relates  the  fables 
connected  with  its  origin  ;  as  well  as  the  assistance  of  that 
hero,  which  was  engaged  by  Apollo  and  Neptune  when  build¬ 
ing  the  walls  of  Troy. — The  praises  of  Melesias  are  then  sung, 
and  the  Blepsiadie,  a  tribe  of  Alginetans,  is  recorded,  as  well 
as  the  memory  of  the  victor’s  departed  relatives,  Iphion  and 
Callimachus. — The  ode  concludes  with  the  expression  of  good 
wishes. 


Olympia,  mother  of  heroic  games, 

Whose  golden  wreath  the  victor’s  might  proclaims, 
Great  queen  of  truth  ! — thou  whose  prophetic  band 
From  victims  blazing  in  the  sacred  fire 
Jove’s  sovereign  will,  the  lightning’s  guide,  inquire. 
What  favour’d  mortal  shall  the  crown  command  6 
Which  bids  the  anxious  hour  of  contest  close. 

And  gives  to  virtuous  toil  the  guerdon  and  repose.  9 

The  gods  above  with  favouring  ear 

The  prayers  of  pious  mortals  hear.  10 

*  Who  anointed  the  combatants,  and  prepared  them  for  the 
ing. 


EIGHTH  OLYMPIC  ODE. 


69 


Ye  woody  shades  of  Pisa’s  grove, 

That  o’er  Alph^us’  waters  bend, 

From  you  the  wreath  which  victory  wove, 

And  the  triumphant  hymn  descend  ; 

Receive  the  pomp  and  festal  song  15 

"Which  justly  to  your  fame  belong.  14 

The  deeds  of  glory  and  renown 
Mankind  with  well-earn’d  chaplets  crown; 

And  by  th’  indulgent  powers  of  heaven 
Success  in  various  paths  is  given.  20 

Tiniosthenes,  the  influence  shed 
By  Jove  around  thy  youthful  head, 

In  Nemea’s  plain  effulgent  shone ; 

While  Cronium’s  hill  return’d  the  sound, 

What  time  Olympia’s  chaplet  crown’d  25 
Thy  victor  brow,  Alcimedon. 

On  that  fair  form  and  lovely  face 

His  glorious  deeds  shed  no  disgrace. 

Triumphant  from  the  wrestler’s  toil 

By  glory  fired  and  filial  pride,  30 

His  loved  Algina’s  naval  isle 

With  high  renown  he  dignified. 

Where  Themis,  the  lorn  stranger’s  shield. 
Assessor  of  protecting  Jove, 

Her  righteous  sceptre  joys  to  wield,  35 

Adored  by  more  than  mortal  love.  30 

Where  nations  meet  and  various  laws  prevail, 

’Tis  hard  with  even  poise  to  hold  the  scale. 

But  the  immortal  gods’  behest 

Ordain’d  this  ocean-girded  land,  40 

Sure  refuge  of  each  wandering  guest, 

Firm  as  the  column’s  shaft  to  stand. 

(And  oh  !  may  future  ages  join 
Unwearied  to  assist  their  great  design !)  38 

Hence  ruled  by  chiefs  of  Doric  race,  45 

Who  from  great  ^Eacus  their  empire  trace. 


60 


PINDAR. 


On  him,  to'raise  the  towers  of  Ilium’s  wall, 
Wide-ruling  Neptune  and  Latona’s  son 
Deign’d  in  the  mighty  work  for  aid  to  call. 

Those  towers  which,  when  her  destined  course  was 
run,  50 

Tremendous  war’s  depopulating  sway 
Should  on  the  ground  in  smoky  ruin  lay.  47 

When  now  complete  the  stately  pile  appear’d, 

Their  hostile  forms  three  azure  dragons  rear’d ; 

But  from  the  threaten’d  wall  with  gasping  breath  55 
Two  fell  exhausted  in  the  pangs  of  death. 

One  with  terrific  shout  advancing  still, 

Apollo  thus  pronounced  the  boded  ill: 

Uprear’d,  great  liero,  by  thy  hand, 

Prostrate  shall  Pergamus  be  laid  ;  60 

(For  true  will  future  ages  prove 

The  omen  sent  from  thundering  Jove ;) 

But  not  without  thy  children’s  aid — 

What  by  the  fathers  is  begun. 

Shall  in  the  fourth  succeeding  age  be  done.”  59  65 

Thus  having  clear’d  the  fatal  sign. 

Sure  presage  of  the  will  divine. 

To  Xanthus  and  the  Amazonian  band. 

Whose  guiding  rein  the  generous  steeds  obey, 

And  where  flows  Ister  through  the  Scythian  land. 
His  flaming  chariot  urged  its  rapid  way.  71 

But  he  who  wields  the  trident’s  might, 

His  course  to  sea-beat  Isthmus  bent. 

And  with  his  golden  coursers’  flight 
Hither  great  jEacus  he  sent  75 

To  view  from  Corinth’s  lofty  brow 
His  solemn  festival  below.  69 

But  no  delight  to  men  secure 
Shall  in  this  earthly  state  endure. 


65  Telamon  and  Neoptolemu*. 


EIGHTH  OLYMPIC  ODE.  61 

If  of  the  beardless  train  I  raise  80 

The  hymn  that  sings  Melesias’  praise, 

Let  not  the  tongue  of  Envy  rail, 

Nor  with  sharp  stone  my  fame  assail. 

His  valiant  deeds  in  Nemea’s  plain 
Alike  inspire  the  poet’s  strain —  85 

And  next  the  great  pancratium’s  meed, 

Which  to  the  strife  of  heroes  is  decreed.  77 

His  triumph  is  our  surest  guide. 

Whose  feet  the  arduous  paths  have  tried ; 

But  light  their  mind  and  counsel  vain 
Whose  skill  could  ne’er  the  palm  obtain. 

Who  tells  his  own  victorious  deeds 
To  others  points  the  path  of  fame. 

And  shows  what  glorious  lot  succeeds 
His  conquest  in  each  sacred  game. 

So  thine  the  thirtieth  garland  won 
Adds  to  thy  teacher’s  fame,  Alcimedon.  87 

With  fortune  and  his  manly  arm  to  aid, 

He  sent  four  vanquish’d  striplings  back  in  shame, 
Darken’d  their  homeward  path  with  sorrow’s  shade, 
And  gave  to  slandering  infamy  their  name.  101 
’Twas  this  his  grandsire’s  age  inspired 
With  vigorous  youth’s  returning  breath  ; 

For  by  the  victor’s  glory  fired 

His  mind  forgo-t  the  hour  of  death.  96  105 

Be  mine  the  task,  Blepsiadae,  to  raise 
A  record  worthy  of  your  deathless  praise. 


90 


95 


101  Statius  appears  to  have  had  this  highly  poetical  passage 
in  his  mind  when,  speaking  of  the  return  of  the  worsted  and 
dejected  Pelasgi  from  the  field,  he  says — (Theb.  xi.  759  :) — 

“  Eunt  taciti  passim,  et  pro  funere  pulchro 
Dedecorem  amplexi  vitam  reditusque  pudendos. 

Nox  favet,  et  grata  profugos  amplectitur  umbra.” 

FIND. - F 


62 


PINDAR. 


Ye  whom  the  verdant  wreath  six  times  decreed, 
Again  encircles  with  the  victor's  meed. 

And  even  the  dead  will  joy  to  share  110 

This  tribute  of  the  poet’s  care  ; 

Since  the  bright  actions  of  the  just 
Survive  unburied  in  the  kindred  dust.  105 

There  let  Iphion’s  tongue  proclaim 
Callimachus,  to  charm  thine  ear,  115 

The  tale  which  Hermes’  daughter,  Fame, 

Gave  him,' while  yet -on  earth,  to  hear. 

That  Jove' once  more  had  deign’d  to  grace 
With  Pisa’s  crown  their  favour’d  face. 

His  blessings  may  he  still  impart,  120 

And  ward  disease’s  bitter  dart ! 

Forbear  amid  the  happy  state 
Discordant  Nemesis  to  throw, 

But  give  secure  their  life  to  flow,  124 

And  crown  their  country’s  prosperous  fate. 

iif.-?*'  4  '  T 


s. 


THE  NINTH  OLYMPIC  ODE. 


TO  EPHARMOSTUS,  THE  OPUNTIAN,  ON  HIS  VICTORY  IN 
THE  PALiESTRA,  GAINED  IN  THE  SEVENTY-THIRD  OLYM¬ 
PIAD. 


ARGUMENT. 

Beginning  with  the  praises  of  the  victor,  Pindar  digresses 
to  those  of  his  native  city  Opus. — Then,  being  led  by  the 
mention  of  the  propitious  power  of  the  Graces,  to  speak  of 
Hercules’  contest  with  Neptune,  Apollo,  and  Pluto,  which 
was  carried  on  by  their  assistance,  he  checks  himself,  con¬ 
sidering  it  an  act  of  impiety  to  relate  tales  that  may  be  dis- 

f taraging  to  any  of  the  gods. — Then  follows  a  digression  re- 
ating  to  Deucalion’s  flood,  and  the  reparation  of  the  human 
race  after  the  waters  had  subsided. — The  poet  addressing 
Epharmostus  and  the  citizens  of  Opus,  as  being  descended 
from  Deucalion  and  Pyrrha,  through  their  daughter  Proto- 
geneia,  who  had  by  Jupiter  a  son  called  Opus,  from  whom  the 
city  was  named. — His  hospitality  is  celebrated,  and  his  re¬ 
ception,  among  his  other  guests,  of  Menaetius,  whose  son 
Patroclus  is  mentioned  with  high  commendation  as  having 
assisted  Achilles  in  his  attack  on  Telephus,  who  had  put  to 
flight  the  Grecian  band. — He  then  aspires  to  the  car  of  the 
muses,  who  would  enable  him  to  frame  a  song  that  might  do 
justice  to  the  several  triumphs  of  Lampromachusand  Ephar¬ 
mostus,  which  he  enumerates  ;  attributing  the  victor’s  excel¬ 
lence  and  various  graces  to  the  favour  of  the  gods,  and  con¬ 
cluding  with  a  compliment  to  his  hero,  who,  after  his  victory 
in  the  Oilean  games,  oflfered  sacrifices  and  funeral  rites  at  the 
tomb  of  Ajax. 


Archilochus’  Olympic  strain 
With  triple  harmony  combined, 

Might  have  sufficed  the  friendly  train, 

And  gratified  the  victor’s  mind. 

1  It  appears  to  have  been  customary  to  sing  at  the  Olympic 


64 


PINDAR. 


What  time,  as  Epharmostus  leads,  5 

By  Saturn’s  hill  the  pomp  proceeds. 

But  haste  the  sounding  shafts  to  throw 
From  the  far-darting  muses’  bow ; 

The  first  to  heaven’s  eternal  king, 

Who  guides  the  lightning’s  lurid  wing;  10 
The  next  to  Elis’  sacred  tower, 

TIprear’d  the  rocky  heights  above. 

Which  Lydian  Pelops  gain’d,  fair  dower 
Of  chaste  Hippodameia’s  love.  16 

Towards  Pytho  next  thine  efforts  bend,  15 
A  sweet  and  winged  shaft  to  send. 

Nor  shalt  thou  raise  a  feeble  strain. 

Earth  sprung,  that  falls  to  earth  again. 

When  in  fair  Opus’  praise  you  shake  the  string. 

And  her  brave  hero  of  the  wrestler’s  ring;  20 

Whose  sons,  preserved  by  equal  laws,  obey 
Bright  Themis  and  her  glorious  daughter’s  sway. 
There  now  the  virtues  flourish  wide. 

And  with  transplanted  radiance  glow. 

Blooming  as  by  Alpheus’  tide,  25 

Or  where  Castalia’s  waters  flow. 

Hence  from  her  verdant  grove  the  frequent  crown 
His  Locrian  city’s  fame  exalts  with  fair  renown.  32 

But  I,  who  joy  my  much-loved  state 

With  festal  hymns  to  celebrate,  30 

Swift  as  the  courser  sweeps  the  plain, 

Or  winged  vessel  ploughs  the  main. 

To  all  the  listening  world  around 
Will  send  the  conquest’s  joyful  sound. 

games  a  hymn  of  Archilochus,  consisting  of  three  strophes,  and 
composed  in  honour  of  Hercules  ;  which  began  thus : 

KaXXtviKE  ')(atp‘  aval 
'Hpa/cXetff. 

To  this  Pindar  lie  e  diiuoej. 

7  Addressed  to  the  chorus. 

22  Eunomia,  the  genius  of  good  government. 


NINTH  OLYMPIC  ODE.  65 

.  -  'ft. 

Since,  aided  by  a  hand  divine,  35 

Within  the  Graces’  choicest  bower, 

I  make  their  blooming  treasures  mine, 

And  cull  the  sweets  of  every  flower. 

For  they  the  charms  of  life  bestow. 

While  all  the  brave  and  wise  to  them  their  virtues 
owe.  43  40 

How  else  could  great  Alcides’  hand 
With  shaken  club  provoke  to  fight 
The  god  who  wields  the  trident’s  might, 

At  Pylos  when  he  took  his  stand, 

To  drive  the  hero  from  the  land  1  45 

How  dare  to  challenge  as  a  foe 
The  monarch  of  the  silver  bow  1 
Nor  could  stern  Pluto’s  grasp  retain 
Unmoved  the  sceptre  of  his  reign, 

Which  drives  the  forms  devoid  of  breath  50 

Within  the  hollow  vale  of  death. 

No  more,  unhallow’d  lips,  assail 
The  mighty  gods  with  slanderous  tale. 

It  sounds  of  madness  thus  to  rise 
In  impious  vaunts  against  the  skies.  55 

Be  contests  banish’d  from  the  strain 
That  celebrates  th’  immortal  train ; 

And  rather  by  the  poet’s  tongue 
Protogeneia’s  city  sung. 

50  The  office  which  is  here  attributed  to  the  sceptre  of  Pluto, 
is  by  the  poets  usually  described  as  characterizing  the  caduceus 
of  Mercury. — See  Homer,  II.  xxiv.  243;  Virg.,  ^En.  iv.  242; 
Horat.,  Od.  i.  24.— The  last  of  which  passages  is  thus  trans¬ 
lated  by  Francis : — 

“  Yet  ne’er  returns  the  vital  heat. 

The  shadowy  form  to  animate. 

Soon  as  the  ghost-compelling  god 
Forms  his  black  troops  with  horrid  rod, 

He  will  not,  lenient  to  the  breath 
Of  prayer,  unbar  the  gates  of  death.” 


66 


PINDAR. 


Where,  as  ordain’d  by  heaven’s  eternal  king,  60 
Whose  power  directs  the  lightning’s  varied  wing, 
Descending  from  Parnassus’  lofty  height, 

Pyrrha  and  her  Deucalion  sought  the  plain. 

Rear’d  the  first  dome,  and  call’d  that  race  to  light, 
Whose  stony  birth  they  bade  the  name  retain.  65 

Then  wake  for  them  the  tuneful  string — 
Though  wine  improved  by  mellowing  age 
The  palate’s  suffrage  more  engage. 

Yet  choose  a  newer  lay  the  victor’s  praise  to  sing. 

In  tales  of  ancient  lore  ’tis  said  70 

O’er  earth  the  whelming  waters  spread 
Urged  all  their  congregated  force. 

But  Jove’s  high  will  his  headlong  course 
Bade  the  usurping  foe  restrain. 

And  sink  absorb’d  the  refluent  main.  75 

From  them  your  sires,  the  warlike  race 
Of  old  lapetus,  descend ; 

Whose  glorious  deeds  the  brightest  grace 
To  Saturn  their  forefather  lend ; 

63  Aaof,  a  people,  from  Xaaj,  a  stone.  So  Ovid,  speaking  of 
Deucalion’s  Deluge,  (Met.  i.  411,)  says : — 

“  Superorum  munere,  saxa 
Missa  viri  manibus  faciem  traxere  virilem ; 

Et  de  fcemineo  reparata  est  foemina  jactu. 

Inde  genus  durum  sumus,  experiensque  laborum , 

Et  documenta  damus,  qua  simus  origine  nati.” 

Pindar,  by  deducing  the  origin  of  the  Locrians  from  a  daughter 
or  (laughters  of  Jupiter,  gives  another  proof  of  his  anxiety  to 
assign  to  the  cities  in  honour  of  whose  townsmen  his  odes  are 
composed,  as  ancient  and  illustrious  a  source  as  history  or  my 
thology  will  permit.  It  would  be  a  futile  attempt  to  supply 
the  defective  links  in  the  genealogical  chain  between  Deu¬ 
calion  and  Locrus,  from  whom  the  people  derive  their  appella¬ 
tion  ;  but  this  perplexity  involves  the  origin  of  many  ancient 
nations,  who  have  recourse  to  mythological  fiction  for  that 
which  the  integrity  of  truth  will  not  supply. 


NINTH  OLYMPIC  ODE. 


67 


And  hence  a  line  of  native  kings  80 

In  regular  succession  springs.  84 

«7*  • 

Ere  yet  th’  Olympic  ruler’s  hand 
Had  ravish’d  from  th’  Epean  land 
The  daughter  of  fair  Opus’  lord. 

And  on  the  dark  Msenalian  heights  85 

Mingled  with  her  in  love’s  delights ; 

To  Locrus  then  his  bride  restored, 

Lest  age,  death’s  harbinger,  should  doom 
The  childless  monarch  to  the  tomb.  92 

Soon  as  the  heavenly  scion  came,  90 

The  raptured  hero  gazed  with  joy 
On  the  supposititious  boy, 

And  call’d  him  by  his  uncle’s  name — 

In  manly  deeds  and  outward  grace 

Above  the  sons  of  mortal  race —  95 

Permitting  to  his  sceptred  hand 

Dominion  o’er  the  subject  land.  100 

From  Argos  some,  from  Thebes,  and  Pisa’s  plain. 
And  fair  Arcadia,  throng  the  frequent  train. 

But  most  his  love  and  admiration  won  100 

Menaetius,  Actor  and  ^gina’s  son : 

Whose  offspring,  when  brave  Atreus’  host 
Invaded  Teuthras’  Mysian  land. 

Alone  could  with  Achilles  boast 
The  adverse  army  to  withstand :  105 

When  Telephus  the  Grecian  train 
^  Drove  seaward  to  their  ships  again. 

Hence  might  the  wise  and  prudent  find 
The  strength  of  great  Patroclus’  mind.  115 

Hence  might  the  tender  love  appear  110 

By  Thetis’  warlike  offspring  shown ; 

“  Quit  not,”  he  said,  “  my  conouering  spear, 

Nor  join  the  war’s  array  alone,” 


68 


PINDAR. 


Oh  !  could  I  ill  the  muses’  car 
Soar,  eloquenl^of  speech,  afar —  115 

Since  bold  emprise  and  power  belong 
To  the  high-favour’d  child  of  song. 

Inspired  with  hospitable  aim 
I  come  the  virtues  to  proclaim, 

Which  round  thy  honour’d  temples  twine,  120 
Lampromachus,  the  Isthmian  pine  ; 

When  both  in  one  triumphant  day 
The  victor’s  chaplet  bore  away. 

Two  other  joys  at  Corinth’s  gate 

His  brow  in  after  times  await ;  125 

And  victory  twice  in  Nemea’s  grove 

The  wreath  for  Epharmostus  wove. 

In  Argos’  strife  of  men  renown’d, 

While  yet  a  boy  at  Athens  crown’d ; 

When  in  the  Marathonian  field,  130 

Departing  from  the  beardless  train, 

He  made  the  veteran  warriors  yield, 

The  cup  of  silver  to  obtain. 

Oh !  with  what  matchless  swiftness  there 
He  ran  the  circus’  destined  round,  135 

While  shouting  myriads  rend  the  air 
With  admiration’s  joyful  sound. 

His  lonely  form  and  deeds  of  might 
Bursting  upon  the  raptured  sight. 

Wondrous  in  the  Parrhasian  plain  140 

Before  contending  hosts  he  strove. 

When  all  the  congregated  train 
Hallowed  thy  feast,  Lyceean  Jove.  145 

And  when  Pallene’s  robe  he  bears. 

Warm  refuge  from  the  chilling  airs.  145 

132  I.  e.,  in  the  Isthmus,  where  the  games  were  celebrated 
So  Alschylus,  describing  the  Cimmerian  Bosphorus,  says,  (P, 

ladfiov  S'  sr'  avTis  arsvonopois  hpvtjs  vrvXais 
KtftpeptKov  niski. 


NlMil  OLYMPIC  ODE. 


69 


Full  oft  has  lolaus’  shrine 
*  Upon  Eleusis’  sea-girt  strand  " 

Witness’d  the  splendid  acts  which  shine 
To  crown  the  efforts  of  his  hand. 

In  his  own  path  each  labours  well,  150 

As  nature  grants  him  to  excel. 

While  many  with  laborious  aim 
Toil  up  the  rugged  steep  of  fame, 

If  the  kind  god  forbear  to  bless 

Their  vain  endeavour  with  success,  155 

Let  silence  hide  th’  unfinish’d  tale 

Within  oblivion’s  dusky  veil. 

Far  different  are  the  ways  which  tend 
To  glory  as  their  common  end.  158 

Not  all  mankind  are  prone  to  feel  '  160 

In  the  same  care  an  equal  zeal. 

But  arduous  paths  must  they  explore 
Who  to  the  heights  of  wisdom  soar. 

While  I  this  lay  triumphant  bring, 

With  voice  sonorous  let  me  sing  165 

The  hero!s  praise  whose  spirit  bold 
Join’d  to  a  frame  of  hardy  mould, 

Urged  him  upon  th’  Oilean  plain 
The  palm  of  glory  to  obtain. 

Then  round  the  .^antean  shrine  170 

In  festal  pomp  the  wreath  entwine.'  168 

171  It  was  the  custom  for  the  victors  on  their  return  from 
Olympia  to  insticute  sacred  rites  in  honour  of  the  indigenous  hero 
^ax,  son  of  Oileus,  and  to  crown  his  shrine  with  a  chaplet 
Tne  .^antean  games  were  particularly  celebrated  at  Opus, 


THE  TENTH  OLYMPIC  ODE. 


TO  AGESIDAMUS,  SON  OF  ARCHESTRATUS,  THE  EPIXE- 
PHYRIAN,  OR  WESTERN  LOCRIAN,  ON  HIS  VICTORY  WITH 
THE  C.ffiSTUS  GAINED  IN  THE  SEVENTY-THIRD  OLYM¬ 
PIAD. 

ARGUMENT. 

This  ode  opens  with  an  address  to  the  muse  and  to  Truth, 
whom  he  wishes  to  remind  him  of  his  long-forgotten  promise 
to  celebrate  the  son  of  Archestratus  and  the  city  of  the  Lo- 
crians ;  as  well  as  his  alipta  lias,  who  encouragea  him  by  the 
example  of  Hercules  and  Patroclus  to  persevere  in  the  con¬ 
test  notwithstanding  its  unfavourable  commencement. — Then 
follows  a  digression  concerning  the  institution  of  the  Olympic 
games  by  Hercules,  with  an  enumeration  of  his  conquests 
over  the  Molionidae,  and  Augeas,  king  of  Elis  :  the  victors  in 
these  games  are  likewise  recorded. — The  poet  then  sings  the 
praises  of  Jupiter,  and  concludes  with  complimenting  Agesi- 
damus  on  his  prowess  and  personal  beauty,  comparing  him  in 
this  respect  to  Ganymedes. 


Inscribed  upon  the  poet’s  mind 
Archestratus’  illustrious  son, 

Who  late  th’  Olympic  wreath  has  won, 

Thou  know’st,  celestial  muse,  to  find : 

For  dull  oblivion  swept  away  5 

All  record  of  the  promised  lay. 

And  thou,  oh  Truth !  fair  child  of  Jove, 

With  thine  unerring  hand  efface 
The  tale  that  speaks  his  foul  disgrace, 

Who  slights  a  claim,  and  wrongs  the  stranger’s 
love.  10 

For  when  time’s  rapid  course  had  flown, 

I  felt  the  glowing  tinge  of  shame, 


TENTH  OLYMPIC  ODE. 


71 


To  think  how  large  the  debt  became. 

But  ample  interest  now  shall  close 

The  sharp  reproach  of  envious  foes,  15 

And  all  the  guilty  past  atone. 

Now  whelm’d  beneath  the  flowing  tide, 

Where  is  the  pebble  seen  to  glide  ? 

And  to  confound  the  slanderous  tongue, 

How  shall  the  friendly  strain  be  sung?  16  20 

For  Truth  her  Locrians’  favour’d  land. 

Refresh’d  by  Zephyr’s  breath,  defends: 

Calliope  her  guardian  hand 

O’er  them  with  brazen  Mars  extends. 

E’en  Hercules’  superior  might  25 

Fainted  in  the  Cycnean  fight. 

And  as  Patroclus,  safe  from  harm. 

Bowed  grateful  to  Achilles’  arm, 

So  should  Agesidanius  pay 

His  thanks  to  lias  in  the  fray.  30 

Who  gave  him  on  Olympia’s  plain 

The  wrestler’s  chaplet  to  obtain. 

For  by  the  favouring  god  inspired, 

To  glorious  deeds  the  breast  is  fired. 

Where  emulation  points  the  way.  25  35 

But  few  to  eminence  can  rise, 

And  without  labour  seize  the  prize, 

17  The  metaphor  in  the  original  is  similar  to  that  in  Joshua. 
V.,  9  :  “  /  have  rolled  away  the  reproach  of  Egypt.”  I  understand 
the  words  of  Pindar  interrogatively  with  the  Oxford  editors,  al¬ 
though  against  the  opinion  of  Heyne. 

21  One  of  the  scholiasts,  instead  of  ArpexEta,  here  reads  & 
rpa'x^aa  voXts,  as  if  the  poet  was  alluding  to  the  rocky  situation 
of  the  town ;  but  the  common  reading  appears  far  preferable. 

36  This  passage  is  rather  obscure,  and  the  construction  not 
very  clear.  From  the  v/ords  as  they  stand,  I  have  endeavoured 
to  elicit  the  most  obvious  and  natural  meaning.  By  the  The- 
mites,  daughters  of  Jupiter,  the  poet  probably  means  nothing 
more  than  the  righteous  eye  of  the  heavenly  king,  surveying 
with  especial  interest  his  own  Olympic  contests.  The  younger 


72 


PINDAR. 


The  light  and  joy  of  fleeting  life. 

Daughters  of  heaven’s  eternal  king, 

Urged  by  your  high  command,  1  sing,  40 

Ye  Themites,  ihe  glorious  strife, 

Which  Hercules  at  Pelops’  ancient  shrine 
Ordain’d,  when  from  unwilling  Augeas’  hand. 

That  he  the  promised  guerdon  might  demand, 
Neptune’s  proud  sons  he  slew,  who  scorn’d  his 
might  divine.  45 

Within  Cleonae’s  thickefjt  wood 
Alcides  in  dark  ambush  lay, 

When  blameless  Cteatus  pursued 
With  Eurytus  his  deadly  way. 

Thus  was  avenged  his  brave  Tirynthian  host,  50 
By  Motion’s  haughty  race  in  pass  of  Elis  lost.  42 

Ere  long  the  fraudulent  Epean  king 
Saw  potent  fire  and  the  devouring  blade 
Di-!struction  to  his  rich  dominions  bring. 

Deep  in  the  lowest  gulf  of  misery  laid.  55 
’Tis  hard  a  mightier  foe’s  assault  to  quell. 

Thus  the  devoted  Augeas,  seized  at  last 
By  vengeful  fate,  bereft  of  counsel,  fell. 

And  death  atoned  for  all  his  treachery  past.  50 

His  whole  array  the  warlike  son  of  Jove  60 

On  Pisa’s  plain  assembling  with  the  spoil, 

Raised  to  his  mighty  father  Altis’  grove. 

And  fenced  from  tread  profane  the  hallow’d  soil. 

scholiast  says :  al  Oifures,  rjyovv  al  vofioQtaiai  rov  Aiof,  al  Kara 
vojjiovs  avvtjdeiai. 

51  This  story  is  related  at  great  length  to  Patroclus  by  old 
Nestor,  (II.,  xi.  670,  et  seq.,)  whose  unseasonable  garrulity  or  the 
occasion  is  justly  reprehended  by  Pope. 

61  An  early  instance  of  the  consecration  of  a  tenth  part  of  the 
spoils  taken  in  battle  to  the  service  of  the  gods  is  given  by  Xen¬ 
ophon,  (Anab.,v.,  3.  ;)  Kai  njv  hKarrjv,  f/v  T-p  AiroXXwvi  t^eiXov  Kai 
Tj;  E0£atfli  A-pre^iSi,  hitXa^ov  oi  arpaTriyai,  to  fityoi  tKcurroi,  (pvXamiw 
Tois  ileois'  at  tne  end  of  the  chapter  the  planting  of  a  large  grove 


TENTH  OLYMPIC  ODE. 


73 


Shrines  to  th’  immortal  twelve  he  placed, 

Who  the  celestial  banquet  graced,  65 

Ranking  with  these  Alpheus’  wave, 

To  Saturn’s  hill  the  name  he  gave.- 
(For  erst,  while  old  CEnomaus’  hand 
Possess’d  the  sceptre  of  the  land, 

Upon  the  nameless  mountain’s  head  70 

Their  snows  unnumber’d  ages  shed.) 

On  the  first  rites  with  aspect  mild 
The  destinies  assistant  smiled ; 

And  hoary  Time,  whose  steady  ray 

Oft  brings  undoubted  truth  to  day.  67  75 

He  in  his  onward  course  reveal’d 
What  time  Alcides’  conquering  might 
Bestow’d,  to  found  Olympia’s  field, 

The  earliest  otferings  of  the  fight. 

And  on  each  fifth  returning  year  80 

Bade  victory’s  sons  the  chaplet  wear. 

Tell,  muse,  in  that  illustrious  day 
Who  first  the  glorious  prize  obtain’d  ; 

Who  bore  the  wrestler’s  palm  away ; 

Who  the  high  meed  of  swiftness  gain’d :  85 

Or  urged  his  chariot  to  the  goal. 

Curbing  by  deeds  the  pride  of  boastful  rivals’  soul.  75 

around  the  temple  of  Jupiter  is  mentioned.  Thus  Ovid,  addres¬ 
sing  Bacchus,  says,  (Fast,  iii.,  729) — 

“  Te  memorant.  Gauge,  totoque  Oriente  subacto, 
Primitias  magno  seposuisse  Jovi.” 

And  Callimachus,  addressing  Apollo,  (in  Del.  278) — 

AXXa  Tot  afxfierets  icKartjfOliot  aisv  anapy^^ai 
UcftirovTai. 

On  which  passage  see  the  learned  dissertation  of  Spanheim, 
who  mentions  the  same  custom  to  have  prevailed  among  the 
Jews,  who  were  wont  to  convey  to  their  holy  metropolis  the 
first  fruits  and  tenths  of  the  produce  of  the  soil  for  the  mainte¬ 
nance  of  the  temple  and  its  service.  Spencer  (de  Legg.  Heh. 
1161,  &c.)  shows  at  great  length  that  many  of  the  rites  ob¬ 
served  in  bringing  the  first  fruits  to  Jerusalem  were  borrowed 
from  heathen  nations. 

FIND. — O 


74 


PINDAR. 


First  in  the  stadium’s  level  course 
(Bonus,  brave  Licymnius’  son, 

Who  brought  from  Midea’s  walls  his  force,  90 
The  chaplet’s  glorious  honours  won : 

And  Echemus  his  Tegea’s  name 
Raised  in  the  wrestler’s  ring  to  fame. 

Doryclus  bade  the  manly  caestus  crown 

His  lovely  Tirynthian  city  with  renown.  82  95 

And  Semus’  steeds  unwearied  in  the  race, 

Mantinea  with  the  hymn  of  triumph  grace. 

Phrastor  with  certain  aim  the  javelin  threw; 

While  from  Eniceus’  hand  the  discus  flew, 

And  as  the  circling  orb  ascended  high  100 

Above  the  rest,  what  clamours  rent  the  sky ! 

The  full-orb’d  moon,  with  her  nocturnal  ray 
Shed  o’er  the  scene  a  lovely  flood  of  day.  91 

And  all  the  grove  with  festal  chorus  rang. 

Oft  as  the  crowd  the  victor’s  praises  sang.  105 
Now  shall  the  muse  prepare  her  loftiest  verse, 
Obedient  to  the  rites  of  ancient  days. 

The  lurid  bolts  and  shafts  of  light  rehearse. 

And  sing  the  mighty  Thunderer’s  deathless  praise. 
Symphonious  with  the  song  shall  wake  the  reed, 

By  Dirce’s  sacred  fount — a  tardy  note  indeed !  Ill 

Grateful  as  comes  th’  expected  heir 
To  bless  his  age — enfeebled  sire. 

The  source  of  sweetly  anxious  care, 

And  object  of  his  fond  desire.  115 

Since  wealth,  if  foreign  hands  must  seize  the  hoard, 
Is  view’d  with  hatred  by  its  dying  lord. 

E’en  thus,  arrived  at  Pluto’s  dark  domain. 

The  hero,  nameless  in  the  poet’s  lay. 

By  glorious  acts  and  aspirations  vain  120 

Will  not  have  soothed  life’s  brief  and  anxious  day. 

The  dulcet  flute  and  lyre’s  accordant  string 
Thy  happier  deeds,  Agesidamus,  sing. 


TENTH  OLYMPIC  ODE. 


75 


While  the  Pierian  maids,  Jove’s  tuneful  race, 

On  thy  fair  deeds  bestow  illustrious  grace !  116  125 

(  And  I,  the  muses’  faithful  friend, 

With  ardent  zeal  my  efforts  bend 
To  hymn  the  mighty  Locrians’  name  : 

Shedding  o’er  their  well-peopled  town 
The  honey’d  dews  of  fair  renown,  130 

Archestratus’  loved  stripling  I  proclaim. 
Victorious  near  th’  Olympic  shrine, 

With  strength  of  arm  I  saw  him  shine 
In  bloom  of  youth  and  beauty’s  flower. 
Incipient  manhood’s  golden  hour,  '  135 

Which  with  the  Cyprian  queen  of  love 
Disgraceful  fate  from  Ganymedes  drove.  125 


THE  ELEVENTH  OLYMPIC  ODE  * 


TO  THE  SAME  AGESIDAMUS,  A  SUPPLEMENTARY  ODE, 
KNOWN  BY  THE  GREEK  TITLE  Tcxof,  OR  INTEREST. 

ARGUMENT. 

The  poet  addresses  this  short  ode  to  Ageaidamus,  as  a  kind  of 
amends  for  his  delay  in  sending  him  the  preceding. — It  con¬ 
tains  the  praises  of  the  Locri  and  of  Agesidamus :  the  latter 
on  account  of  his  victory  with  the  caestus  ;  the  other  for  wis¬ 
dom,  hospitality,  and  fortitude.  < 


As  men,  o’er  ocean’s  paths  who  sail, 

Implore  from  Heaven  a  favouring  gale, 

And  others  joy  when,  at  their  call. 

Showers,  the  clouds’  humid  daughters,  fall ; 
Thus  too  when  some  laborious  deed  5 

Is  crown’d  with  victory’s  well-earn’d  meed. 

The  hero’s  virtues  soft-toned  hymns  proclaim. 

Sure  pledge  that  after  times  shall  celebrate  his  name. 

Praises  like  these  unenvied  yield 

The  conquests  of  Olympia’s  field ;  10 

And  such  ray  tongue  aspired  to  gain. 

But  human  wishes  all  are  vain, 

Unless  the  god  his  aid  bestow. 

From  whom  success  and  genius  flow. 

Son  of  Archestratus  !  I  raise  15 

In  thy  triumphant  caestus’  praise 
The  hymn  whose  melody  around 
The  golden  olive’s  wreath  shall  sound ; 


*  The  Greek  title  of  this  ode  was  Tokos,  or  Interest,  as  it  was 
sent  to  Agesidamus  with  the  preceding,  in  order  to  compensate 
for  the  poet’s  tardmess  in  sending  him  the  preceding. 


ELEVENTH  OLYMPIC  ODE. 


77 


While  the  melodious  numbers  grace 

The  western  Locrians’  honour’d  race.  15  20 

Thither,  ye  muses,  lead  the  festal  train, 

If  to  that  land  your  hallow’d  footsteps  stray,  ' 

Ye  find  no  rude,  inhospitable  swain, 

Who  drives  the  stranger  from  his  door  away. 

But  one,  in  wisdom’s  ample, treasures  bless’d,  25 
Whose  veins  with  all  his  father’s  valour  glow ; 

For  time  but  steels  the  rugged  lion’s  breast, 

Nor  can  the  tawny  fox  his  wiles  forego.  22 
o2 


> 


t'r.  -  V.  i 


/  ■■  f 


THE  TWELFTH  OLYMPIC  ODE. 


TO  ERGOTELES  OF  HIMERA,  ON  HIS  VICTORY  IN  THE 
FOOT  RACE,  CALLED  OR  THE  LONG 

COURSE,  GAINED  IN  THE  SEVENTY-SEVENTH  OLYMPIAD. 

-  ARGUMENT. 

This  ode,  almost  as  short  as  the  preceding,  begins  with  an  in¬ 
vocation  to  Fortune,  the  supreme  arbitress  of  events,  the 
issue  of  which  is  always  uncertain,  to  be  propitious  to  the 
Himermans.  The  victor  would  have  remained  in  ignoble 
obscurity,  passing  his  life  in  domestic  broils,  had  he  not  re¬ 
moved  from  Crete,  his  native  land,  to  Himera :  in  which 
town,  being  favourably  received,  he  cultivated  those  faculties 
Of  strength  and  swiftness  which  enabled  him  to  obtain  the 
Olympic,  Pythian,  and  Isthmian  crowns. 


Oh  Fortune,  saviour  of  the  state. 

Daughter  of  Eleutherian  Jove, 

For  Himera  thy  constant  love 
And  guardian  care  I  supplicate. 

Toss’d  on  the  rough  and  stormy  sea,  6 

The  rapid  ships  are  sway'd  by  thee ; 

And  marshall’d  in  its  long  array 
Uncertain  war  allows  thy  sway. 

Since,  or  in  council  or  in  field, 

All  to  thy  sovereign  fiat  yield.  10 

While  flattering  hope’s  delusive  dream 
Cheats  men  with  visions  false  and  vain ; 

This  course,  according  to  some,  consisted  of  six,  according 
to  others,  of  twenty-four  stadia.  It  was  longer  than  the  diaulos, 
which  was  a  course  from  the  starting  post  to  the  goal  and  back 
again  without  intermission. 


TWELFTH  OLYMPIC  ODE. 


79 


Now  glads  the  heart  with  transport’s  beam, 
Now  whirls  them  in  despair  again.  9 

But  not  to  any  son  of  earth  15 

Has  ever  yet  a  sign  been  given 
By  the  immortal  powers  of  heaven 
To  know  th’  event  before  it  come  to  birth. 

Full  oft  the  wishes  of  mankind 
An  unexpected  issue  find,  20 

When  joy’s  bright  promise  ends  in  wo. 

Oft  too  the  beams  of  bliss  arise 
To  him  whose  shatter’d  vessel  lies 
Whelm’d  in  the  stormy  gulf  below.  18 

Son  of  Philanor ! — like  the  bird  25 

Whose  shouts  within  are  only  heard, 

Ne’er  had  thy  speed,  unknown  to  fame. 

Exalted  an  inglorious  name. 

Driven  by  sedition’s  broils  to  roam 

Far  from  thy  native  Cretan  home,  30 

Olympia’s  verdant  chaplet  now 

Encircles  thine  illustrious  brow. 

For  thee  their  twofold  chaplets  twine 
The  Delphic  palm  and  Isthmian  pine, 

Now  fix’d  in  Himera’s  adopted  plain,  35 

The  tepid  fountains  of  the  nymphs  you  crown, 
Ergoteles,  with  your  own  high  renown. 

And  bid  their  springs  unwonted  honour  gain.  28 

25  1.  e.,  the  cock,  sacred  to  Mars.  By  this  simile  Pindar  in¬ 
timates  that  had  not  Ergoteles  been  expelled  by  domestic  sedi¬ 
tion  from  his  native  land,  he  would  still  have  remained  inglori¬ 
ous  at  home,  like  a  cock  enclosed  within  a  coop.  Heyne  re¬ 
marks  that  this  image  is  the  more  obvious,  as  the  coins  of  Hi- 
mera  were  usually  distinguished  by  the  image  of  that  bird. 
The  Himeraeans  experienced  in  a  remarkable  manner  the  insta¬ 
bility  of  human  fortune,  as  their  city  was  destroyed  by  the 
Carthaginians  in  little  more  than  two  hundred  years  from  its 
foundation. 

38  This  allusion  to  the  celebrated  warm  springs  of  Himera  is 
understood  by  some  commentators  in  an  allegorical  sense. 


THE  THIRTEENTH  OLYMPIC  ODE. 


TO  XENOPHON,  THE  CORINTHIAN,  ON  HIS  VICTORY  IN 
THE  STADIC  COURSE  AND  THE  PANTATHLON,  GAINED 
IN  THE  SEVENTY-NINTH  OLYMPIAD. 

ARGUMENT. 

The  poet  begins  this  ode  with  celebrating  the  praises  of  Xeno¬ 
phon,  conjointly  with  those  of  his  native  town. — He  then  pro¬ 
ceeds  to  enumerate  the  different  conquests  of  the  victor  and 
his  father  Ptaeodorus. — Then  returns  to  Corinth,  and  digresses 
to  the  story  of  Bellerophon,  thrown  to  earth  by  Pegasus,  who 
was  afterward  received  into  the  celestial  stalls. — Then  fol¬ 
low  encomiums  of  the  Oligaethidae  of  the  tribe  Xenophon, 
who  had  been  victorious  at  Thebes,  Argos,  and  various  other 
cities  where  games,  inferior  to  the  four  great  contests,  were 
celebrated. — Concludes  with  a  prayer  to  Jupiter  that  he  may 
bless  them  with  continued  prosperity. 


While  to  the  house  of  Xenophon  I  raise 
The  grateful  tribute  of  poetic  praise. 

Who,  thrice  victorious  in  Olympia’s  field. 

With  equal  care  the  friend  and  stranger  shield. 
Well-peopled  Corinth,  Isthmian  Neptune’s  gate^  5 
In  this  triumphant  strain  I  celebrate. 

Ennomia  with  her  sisters  fair, 

The  state’s  firm  guard,  inhabit  there — 

Concord  and  Justice,  who  dispense 

To  man  unbounded  affluence.  10 

They,  prudent  Themis’  golden  train. 

Impetuous  aiTOgance  control ; 

And  foul- mouth’d  insolence  restrain, 

W’hich  breeds  satiety  of  soul.  12 

12  The  oracle  of  Bacis,  mentioned  by  Herodotus,  (Urao. 
IzxviL,)  ascribes  the  same  birth  to  satiety ; — 

Kparepov  Kopov,  'X^pios  vlor. 


THIRTEENTH  OLYMPIC  ODE. 


81 


But  truth  and  upright  confidence  prevail  15 

O’er  my  bold  tongue  to  speak  its  pleasing  tale. 

Sons  of  Aletes !  vainly  would  you  hide 
The  native  valour  stamp’d  upon  the  mind. 

To  you  full  often  in  triumphant  pride  , 

Victory’s  high  palm  the  blooming  hours  assign’d ;  20 
And  oft  they  bade  your  skilful  art  explore 
The  secret  mysteries  of  ancient  lore.  24 

But  all  the  glorious  action’s  fame 
Illustrates  the  inventor’s  name. 

Who  taught,  save  Corinth’s  noble  race,  26 
The  Dithyrambic  hymn  to  grace, 

In  festal  pride  the  bull  to  lead. 

Or  curb  with  reins  the  generous  steed  1 
Or  on  the  temples  with  expanded  wing 
Placed  the  twin  semblance  of  the  feather’d  king  ?  30 
Them  the  sweet-breathing  muse  inspires. 

While  Mars  in  his  sublime  career, 

Their  youth  with  thirst  of  glory  fires. 

And  gives  to  hurl  the  deadly  spear.  33 

Supreme,  wide-ruling  Jove,  whose  sway  35 
Olympia  glories  to  obey. 

Through  every  age  with  guardian  arm 
Shielding  this  happy  race  from  harm, 
Conducted  by  thy  prosperous  gale. 

May  Xenophon’s  light  pinnace  sail.  40 

16  The  Corinthians  are  so  called,  as  being  descended  from 
King  Aletes,  who  came  into  the  Peloponnesus  with  the  Hera- 
clidae,  and  obtained  the  empire  of  Corinth. 

29  There  is  some  obscurity  in  this  passage.  It  is  doubted  by 
the  commentators  whether  the  double  eagle  were  sculptured  on 
the  pediment,  (aetoma,)  or  placed  inside  of  the  temple.  Green 
is  of  the  latter  opinion,  but  supports  it  by  rather  a  singular  ar¬ 
gument,  viz.,  that  the  word  in  the  original  is  cvOjjk'  ;  whereas  it 
is  evident  that  the  corresponding  line  in  the  second  epode  re¬ 
quires  edriK  in  the  first,  which  is  the  common  and  doubtless  the 
true  reading. 

Pausanias,  in  his  description  of  the  temple  of  Minerva  Epyavri, 


82 


PINDAR. 


Receive  th’  encomiastic  strain, 

His  tribute,  who  on  Pisa’s  plain 
The  pentathletic  garland  won : 

Urged  by  insuperable  force 

While  he  the  stadium’s  lengthen’d  course  45 

With  rapid  foot  was  first  to  run. 

Of  all  in  that  great  strife  renown’d. 

Such  wreaths  no  former  mortal  crown’d.  44 

His  brow,  in  pride  of  triumph  placed, 

Twice  has  the  Isthmian  parsley  graced —  50 

As  oft  conspicuous  in  the  Nemean  field. 

To  him  the  crown  his  vanquish’d  rivals  yield — 

And  by  Alpheus’  shore  his  father’s  name. 
Swift-footed  Thessalus,  is  given  to  fame. 

Him  the  same  sun  beheld  on  Pytho’s  plain,  55 
The  stadic  and  diaulic  prize  obtain : 

And  rocky  Athens  wove  her  chaplet  fair 
Thrice  in  one  moon,  to  deck  the  victor’s  hair.  55 

Seven  times  th’  Hellotian  palm  he  gain’d  ; 

But  when  on  Isthmian  Neptune’s  strand  60 

The  efforts  of  his  victor  hand 
Join’d  to  great  Ptaeodorus’  might. 

His  sire  and  partner  in  the  fight, 

The  glorious  prize  obtain’d ; 

More  lengthen’d  pomps  and  songs  proclaim  65 
Terpsias’  and  Eritimus’  fame. 


the  Artificer,  in  the  citadel  at  Lacedaemon,  has  these  words  : — 
}}  Sb  irpos  ivffjjLag  e^ei  ruv  asrovg  re  Svo,  ravg  opvi&aSt  Koi  liras 

lit'  avTois  viKas- 

59  The  Hellotia  was  a  festival  of  Minerva  celebrated  at 
Corinth ;  in  which  was  a  game  called  AaixxaSoS^iiia,  from 
youths  running  with  lamps  in  their  hands.  The  scholiast  informs 
us  that  when  the  Dorians,  with  the  Heraclidae,  invaded  Corinth 
and  burned  the  city,  the  greater  part  of  the  virgins  fled ;  but 
Hellotia,  with  her  sister  Eurytione,  perished  in  the  flames  of 
the  temple  of  Minerva. 

66  The  former  was  the  son  of  Ptaeodorus  ;  the  latter  the  son 
of  Terpsias. 


THIRTEENTH  OLYMPIC  ODE. 


63 


What  palms  to  him  from  Delphic  contests  rise ! 
What  honours  Nemea’s  grassy  field  supplies  1 
If  all  his  glorious  deeds  my  song  would  tell. 

The  shore’s  unnuraber’d  stones  I  might  recount  as 
well.  66  70 

Wisdom  still  follows  in  the  mean, 

On  every  fit  occasion  seen. 

I,  when  true  friendship  wakes  the  siring, 
Prudence  or  warlike  fame  to  sii^. 

Not  e’en  for  Corinth’s  sires  will  raise  75 

Strains  of  exaggerated  praise. 

Thence  Sisyphus,  the  craftiest  son  of  earth. 

His  hands  endued  with  more  than  mortal  skill, 

And  to  this  race  Medea  owes  her  birth, 

WhoSkC  wedded  choice  opposed  her  father’s  will.  80 
Her  ready  aid,  by  love  inspired,  could  save 
Argo  and  all  her  crew  from  the  remorseless  grave. 

What  time  the  troops  in  long  array 
Appear’d  before  the  Dardan  wall. 

Anxious  to  end  the  doubtful  fray,  85 

Begun  at  the  Atridae’s  call. 

When,  aided  by  their  friendly  host, 

Greece  strove  her  Helen  to  regain, 

And  Troy  beyond  her  threaten’d  coast 
To  drive  th’  invaders  to  the  main.  90 

W^hile  Danaus’  sons  with  fear  survey’d 
Glaucus,  from  Lycia’s  field  array’d — 

The  plain,  he  said  with  conscious  pride. 

Where  flows  Pirene’s  sacred  tide. 

That  was  my  sire’s  dominion  fair,  95 

Whose  palace  tower’d  in  splendour  there.  88 

Bold  Pegasus^  the  snaky  Gorgon’s  son, 

He  strove  to  curb  with  many  an  effort  vain. 

Where  that  sweet  fountain’s  bubbling  waters  run. 
Till  virgin  Pallas  brought  the  golden  rein.  100 
In  vision  to  his  couch  of  rest  she  came, 


84 


PINDAR. 


And  cried,  “  Can  still  th’  CEolian  monarch  sleep  ? 
The  courser  with  this  wished-for  bridle  tame, 

And  to  the  god  who  rules  the  stormy  deep, 

As  the  white  bullock  on  his  altar  bleeds,  105 

Display  as  strong  a  rein  as  checks  his  fiery  steeds.” 

’Twas  thus,  as  plunged  in  sleep  he  lay. 

The  godlike  maid,  who  joys  to  wield 
The  terrors  of  her  azure  shield. 

Seem’d  in  the  shadowy  gloom  to  say.  110 

On  eager  foot  the  monarch  rose 

And  seized  the  wonder  glittering  near. 

Then  straight  the  whole  bright  vision  shows 
To  Polyidus,  native  seer. 

That  when  by  night  retired  to  rest,  115 

Obedient  to  the  high  behest. 

Within  her  consecrated  fane, 

The  virgin  progeny  of  Jove, 

Who  darts  his  lightning  spear  above. 

Gave  to  his  hand  the  golden  rein.  Ill  12 

The  prophet  bade  him  swift  obey 
This  passage  of  the  will  divine, 

A  sturdy  bull  to  Neptune  slay. 

And  to  equestrian  Pallas  rear  the  shrine. 

Full  oft  the  gods  with  power  supreme  125 
Have  brought  the  wish’d  event  to  birth. 

Beyond  the  utmost  hope  or  dream 
Of  the  short-sighted  sons  of  earth. 

Even  thus  Bellerophon  the  bold 

With  gentle  rein  thrown  o’er  his  head,  130 

The  winged  courser’s  pride  controll’d. 

And  at  his  potent  bidding  led.  122 

Then  quickly  mounting,  sportive  play’d 
In  brazen  panoply  array’d. 

Borne  by  his  faithful  steed,  he  sought  the  field,  135 
Where  blows  the  desert  air  with  chilling  breath; 


THIRTEENTH  OLYMPIC  ODE. 


85 


Made  the  brave  Amazonian  squadrons  yield, 

And  closed  their  female  warrior  ranks  in  death. 
Chimaera,  breathing  fire,  his  arms  o’erthrew, 

And  the  proud  race  of  Solymi  he  slew.  140 

His  death  I  sing  not — while  from  thraldom  freed, 
The  ancient  stalls  of  Jove  receive  th’  aspiring 
steed.  132 

But  ’tis  not  mine  beyond  the  mark  to  throw 
The  whirling  arrows  from  my  potent  bow. 

The  high-throned  muses’  willing  slave,  I  raise  145 
With  the  just  tribute  of  poetic  praise, 

The  Olfgaethidae’s  Corinthian  train, 

Victors  at  Isthmus  and  on  Nemea’s  plain. 

While  in  brief  tale  their  glories  I  rehearse, 

True  is  the  oath  that  sanctifies  my  verse.  150 

Since  thirty  wreaths  the  herald’s  sweet-toned  sound 
In  either  contest  won,  sings  to  the  world  around.  143 

Their  triumphs  on  Olympia’s  plain 
Ere  now  my  song  has  given  to  fame  ; 

And  future  crowns  the  lay  shall  move,  155 
If  true  my  ardent  wishes  prove. 

But  should  the  natal  demon  bless. 

Since  God  alone  confers  success. 

To  Jove  and  war’s  stern  lord  we  leave 
The  embryo  glories  to  achieve.  160 

For  them  what  verdant  garlands  grow 
On  the  Parnassian  mountain’s  brow  ! 

What  chaplets  Thebes  and  Argos  yield. 

And  green  Arcadia’s  sacred  grove  ! 

Where  stands  as  witness  of  the  field,  165 

The  altar  of  Lycaean  Jove.  154 

142  The  scholiast  says  that  these  were  stars  anciently  called 
ovoi  as  well  as  (pnrvai.  Perhaps,  therefore,  it  was  the  Prcesepe 
Asellorum,  near  the  constellation  Cancer  ;  which,  being  a  sum¬ 
mer  sign,  answers  to  the  description  of  it  given  by  Theocritus, 
(xxii.  21.) — ovwv  ava  fiEtyaov  aixavpt]  ^arvtj,  aripaivoiaa  ra  irpoi  irXoov 
evSia  iravra. 

FIND. — H 


86 


PINDAR. 


Pellene,  Sicyon,  have  beheld  their  might — 
J^acidae’s  well-guarded  grove, 

Eleusis,  Megara,  where  oft  in  fight, 

As  oft  in  splendid  Marathon  they  strove.  170 
Eubcea  and  the  wealthy  cities  spread 
Beneath  aspiring  Etna’s  head. 

Through  Graecia’s  realm  more  wreaths  to  them  be¬ 
long 

Than  could  be  number’d  in  the  poet’s  song.  ^ 

Still,  mighty  Jove,  preserve  their  tranquil  state,  175 
And  may  increasing  joys  the  virtuous  race  await!  165 


THE  FOURTEENTH  OLYMPIC  ODE. 


TO  ASOPICHUS  OF  ORCHOMENOS,  ON  HIS  VICTORY  IN  THE 
STADIC  COURSE,  GAINED  IN  THE  SEVENTIETH  OLYM¬ 
PIAD. 

ARGUMENT. 

This  ode  begins  with  a  highly  poetical  invocation  to  the  Graces, 
guardians  of  Orchomenos,  that  they  may  bless  the  victor  with 
their  propitious  influence. — The  poet  concludes  with  an  ad¬ 
dress  to  Echo,  enjoining  her  to  carry  the  news  of  his  conquest 
to  the  city  of  Proserpine,  in  order  to  gratify  his  father  Cleo- 
damus  with  the  pleasing  intelligence. 


Nymphs  of  Cephisian  streams  !  who  reign 
Where  generous  coursers  graze  the  plain, 

And  rule  Orchomenos  the  fair ; 

Ye  Graces  !  who  with  power  divine 
Protect  the  ancient  MinyaB’s  line,  5 

Oh  listen  to  my  humble  prayer. 

To  you  the  grateful  bard  shall  raise 
His  tribute  of  poetic  praise  ; 

Since  wisdom,  beauty,  splendour  flow 
From  your  bright  sphere  to  man  below.  10 
Not  without  you  the  bless’d  above 
Or  join  in  banquet  or  in  chorus  move. 

But  throned  on  high,  your  lovely  train 
Placed  near  the  Pythian  god  of  day, 

Whose  golden  shafts  the  beams  of  light  display,  15 
All  the  high  deeds  of  Heaven  ordain. 

And  praise  th’  Olympic  sire  with  hymns  of  endless 
love.  18 

Aglaia,  offspring  of  his  might  divine, 

Thalia  and  Euphrosyne,  whose  ear 


88 


PINDAR. 


The  songs  of  heaven  delights  to  hear,  20 

Ye  tuneful  sisters,  harken  now  to  mine. 

As  moving  on,  with  agile  state, 

The  festal  pomp  we  celebrate. 

To  hymn,  Asopichus,  thy  fame. 

With  Lydian  melodies  I  came  ;  25 

Since  Minyas’  prosperous  town  to  thee 
Owes  her  Olympic  victory.  27 

Now  to  Persephonea’s  hall, 

Encircled  by  its  sable  wall. 

Haste,  Echo,  bear  thy  grateful  tale  30 

To  Cleodamus’  ear ; 

Which  in  illustrious  Pisa’s  vale 
Announced  his  bright  career: 

How  in  life’s  early  bloom  his  son 

The  glorious  wreath  of  triumph  won ;  35 

Encircling  with  that  guerdon  fair. 

In  winged  grace  his  flowing  hair.  35 

35  rt  was  usual  for  the  victors  at  the  Olympic  games  to  en¬ 
twine  with  garlands  the  manes  of  their  horses  as  well  as  their 
own  hair.  To  this  custom  Pindar  frequently  alludes. 


% 


THE 


PYTHIAN  ODES 


OF  THE  PYTHIAN  GAMES. 


The  Pythian  Games  were  instituted  in  honour  of  Apollo. 
Conjectures  vary  with  respect  to  the  origin  of  the  word,  which 
some  imagine  to  have  been  named  from  the  serpent  Python 
slain  by  that  god.  So  Ovid  (Met.  i.  445)  describing  the  genera¬ 
tion  and  death  of  this  monster  : — 

“  Neve  operis  famam  possit  delere  vetustas, 

Instituit  sacros  celebri  certamine  ludos  ; 

Pythia  de  domito  serpentis  nomine  dictos.” 

Others  derive  the  term  azo  tov  zvOeirdai,  because  the  serpent  lay 
and  “putrefied  there ;  others  again  azo  tov  TrvvOaveadai,  from  in- 

Siiry,  because  men  in  doubt  went  to  consult  the  Pythian  Apollo. 

ut  the  most  probable  conjecture  is  that  which  derives  them 
from  Pytho,  the  ancient  name  of  the  town  Delphi,  situated  in  a 
valley  of  Mount  Parnassus,  the  scene  of  their  celebration,  as 
the  other  Grecian  games,  the  Olympian,  Nemean,  and  Isthmian, 
were  denominated  from  the  spot  on  which  they  were  held. 
The  Pythian  contests,  which  the  Greeks  regarded  with  the 
highest  reverence,  were  instituted  many  years  after  the  Olympic, 
and  before  the  Isthmian. 

Some  authors  maintain  that  they  were  established  by  Adrastus, 
king  of  Argos,  B.  C.  1263.  At  first  they  were  held  every  ninth, 
but  afterward  every  fifth  year.  It  is  said  that  in  the  first  Pythiad 
the  gods  themselves  were  combatants ;  and  that  Castor  won 
the  prize  in  the  stadic  course,  Pollux  in  boxing,  Hercules  in  the 
pancratium,  Calais  in  the  foot  race,  Zetes  in  fighting  with  ar¬ 
mour,  Telamon  in  wrestling,  and  Peleus  in  throwing  the  quoit ; 
and  that  the  victor’s  reward  was  a  laurel  crown  bestowed  by 
Apollo,  afterward  changed  for  a  garland  of  palm  leaves.  Ovid 
(loc.  cit.)  says  that  the  wreath  was  arbitrary. 

“His  juvenum  quicumque  manu,  pedibusve,  rotave 
Vicerat,  esculeae  capiebat  frondis  honorem. 

Nondum  laurus  erat ;  longoque  descentia  crine 
Tempora  cingebat  de  qualibet  arbore  Phoebus.” 

The  exercises  at  these  games  were  originally  the  same  as  at 
the  Olympic,  with  the  exception  of  the  chariot  race,  which,  how¬ 
ever,  was  at  length  added.  The  songs  by  which  the  praises 
of  Apollo  for  his  victory  over  the  serpent  Pytho  were  celebrated 
were,  according  to  Strabo,  divided  into  avazpovais,  the  prelude; 
an  allusion  to  which  is  probably  contained  in  the  opening  of  the 
Pythian  odes  ;  eyzupa,  the  first  experiment ;  KaraKiKevaaoi,  collect¬ 
ing  courage  and  rousing  for  the  fight ;  lap^os  /cat  SaKTvXos,  the  in¬ 
sults  of  the  god  over  his  prostrate  enemy  ;  cvpiyyes,  a  shrill  air  ex¬ 
pressing  the  hisses  of  the  expiring  serpent. 

According  to  some  authors,  these  games  were  introduced  into 
Rome  under  the  title  of  Ludi  Apollinares. 


THE  FIRST  PYTHIAN  ODE. 


TO  HIERO,  THE  ^TN^AN,  ON  HIS  VICTORY  IN  THE  CHAR¬ 
IOT  RACE,  GAINED  IN  THE  TWENTY-NINTH  PYTHIAD. 

ARGUMENT. 

Pindar  begins  this  ode  with  a  beautiful  and  poetical  invocation 
to  the  lyre,  expatiating  on  its  powerful  effects  on  gods  and 
men. — The  impious  alone  are  incapable  of  enjoying  its  sweet¬ 
ness:  among  which  number  is  Typhoeus,  who  is  described 
with  great  sublimity,  as  struggling  under  the  superincumbent 
weight  of  .®tna. — This  digression  leads  to  the  mention  of  the 
town  built  by  Hiero  at  the  foot  of  the  mountain,  and  named 
from  it. — Of  this  city  he  had  caused  himself  to  be  proclaimed 
a  citizen  by  the  herald,  who  declared  him  victorious  in  the 
Pythian  chariot  race.  This  the  poet  regards  as  a  presage  of 
future  triumphs,  and  invokes  Apollo  to  take  the  town,  to¬ 
gether  with  the  surrounding  country,  under  his  especial  pro¬ 
tection  :  since,  as  his  pious  disposition  leads  him  frequently 
to  declare,  all  mortal  advantages,  as  wisdom,  strength,  elo¬ 
quence,  are  derived  from  the  gods. — Then  follow  the  praises  of 
Hiero,  and  good  wishes  for  his  future  prosperity,  together  with 
the  mention  of  his  son  Dinomenes. — Calling  to  mind  the  an¬ 
cient  history  of  the  family  and  the  calamities  which  they 
had  suffered,  the  poet  invokes  Jupiter  to  be  propitious  to  them 
in  future,  and  to  avert  the  perils  of  war  by  which  they  were 
threatened. — Concludes  with  offering  his  advice  and  good 
wishes. 


Oh  golden  lyre  !  to  whose  harmonious  string 
Apollo  and  the  fair-hair’d  muses  sing, 

Glad  prelude  which  the  choral  train  obey, 

When  moving  in  the  mazy  dance  • 

To  the  sweet  strains  the  band  advance,  5 

Their  movements  guided  by  thy  sovereign  sway — 
Thine  is  the  potent  art  to  tame 
The  lightning’s  everlasting  flame. 


92 


PINDAR. 


Jove’s  slumbering  eagle  on  his  sceptre  laid, 

Rests  with  swift  plume  on  either  side  display’d.  12 

Thy  melting  sounds  his  eyelids  close  11 

In  the  dark  shadows  of  repose. 

While  his  curved  head  and  quivering  back  declare 
That  even  in  sleep  thy  darts  have  enter’d  there. 

Mars,  as  he  listens  to  thy  lay,  15 

Gives  his  impetuous  spear  to  rest — 

Thy  numbers  charm  his  rage  away. 

And  lull  to  peace  his  stormy  breast. 

Nor  less  are  all  the  inmates  of  the  sky 
Sooth’d  by  the  shafts  of  harmony ;  20 

Whene’er  Apollo’s  skilful  hand 
Conducts  the  muses’  sacred  band.  24 

But  wretches  whom  immortal  Jove 
Deigns  not  to  honour  with  his  love, 

Hear  in  confusion  the  Pierian  strain  25 

On  earth  or  on  the  mighty  main. 

As  Typhon,  he  who  dared  all  heaven  to  brave. 

And  ’gainst  the  gods  with  hundred  heads  to  rise, 

9  Casimir  appears  to  have  imitated  this  splendid  passage : 
(Lyric.  Ep.  ix.  15  :) — 

“  - tibi  praepes  alti 

Civis  Olympi 

Hinc  et  hinc  pressis  reverenter  alis 
Attulit  pacem.” 

Homer  (II.  xxiv.  361,)  calls  the  eagle  Jove's  winged  messenger, 
and  the  strong  sovereign  of  the  plumed  race. — Pope.  Apuleius 
(Metam.  vi.  119,)  gives  almost  a  verbal  translation  of  the  words 
of  Pindar  ;  “  Nam  supremi  Jovis  regalis  ales  ilia,  repente,  pro- 
pansis  utrimque  pennis,  atfuit  rapax  aquila.” 

The  English  reader  will  probably  call  to  mind  a  poetical  para¬ 
phrase  of  the  celebrated  invocation  with  which  this  beautiful 
ode  begins,  by  Akenside,  in  his  hymn  to  the  Naiads ; — 

“  With  emulation  all  the  sounding  choir, 

And  bright  Apollo,  leader  of  the  song. 

Their  voices  through  the  liquid  air  exalt,”  &c. 

27  With  this  description  of  the  hundred-headed  Typhon  or 
Typhosus,  who  is  also  mentioned  in  the  beginning  of  the  fourth 


FIRST  PYTHIAN  ODE. 


93 


Nurtured  of  old  in  famed  Cilicia’s  cave, 

Now  whelm’d  in  black  Tartarean  darkness  lies.  30 
Cumae’s  sea-girdled  shores  below, 

And  where  Sicilia’s  waters  flow, 

Crush’d  by  the  island’s  weight,  impress’d 
Upon  the  rebel’s  shaggy  breast, 

^tna  his  giant  form  restrains,  35 

Whose  towering  height  the  cloud  sustains, 
Nurse  of  the  sharp  perennial  snow.  39 

Forth  from  her  inmost  caverns  urge  their  way 
Fountains  of  pure  and  unapproached  fire, 

Rivers  of  smoke  that  blot  the  face  of  day,  40 

And  from  their  source  of  lurid  flame  aspire. 

But  flashes  of  bright  hue  illume 
The  horrors  of  nocturnal  gloom  ; 

And  hurl  the  rocks  with  thundering  sound, 
Whelm’d  in  the  watery  gulf  profound.  45 

The  restless  monster  from  his  burning  seat 
Sends  up  to  heaven  the  springs  of  direst  heat ; 

And  strikes  with  mute  surprise  their  eye  and  ear 
Who  see  the  wondrous  fire,  and  sounds  prodigious 
hear.  50 

So  close  his  pinion’d  form  is  bound  50 

Beneath  dark  ./Etna’s  leafy  head ; 

Supported  on  the  rugged  ground, 

While  all  his  back  is  torn,  reclining  on  that  bed. 

Olympic  and  the  eighth  Pythian,  compare  Callimachus,  (in 
Del.  141,)  who,  like  Pindar,  appears  anxious  to  clothe  so  vast 
an  image  with  appropriate  magnificence  of  language ; — 

'iif  S'  Sttot’  XiTvatov  opeos  irvpi  TV'Popcvoio 
'Zttovrai  Travra,  KarovSnioio  yiyavros. 

37  See  Theocritus,  (Id.  xi.  47,)  where  the  Cyclop,  descri¬ 
bing  the  delights  of  his  .dEtnaean  resi  deuce,  says. 

There,  from  deep-shaded  ^Etna’s  melting  snows 
The  cooling  spring’s  ambrosial  beverage  flows. 

PoLWHELB. 


Compare  also  Euripides— (Phoen.  815.) 


94 


PINDAR. 


Oh !  may  thy  power,  protecting  Jove, 

My  humble  prayer  and  deeds  approve  ;  56 

This  mountain’s  guard,  whose  lofty  brow 
O’eylooks  the  fruitful  land  below. 

And  to  the  neighb’ring  city  gives  its  name, 

Rear’d  by  the  builder  of  immortal  fame. 

While  the  loud  herald’s  shout  declared  afar  60 
First  in  the  Pythian  course  -(Etnaean  Hiero’s  car.  64 

To  men  who  o’er  the  ocean  sail 
’Tis  sweet  to  launch  before  the  gale, 

And  ere  they  leave  the  port,  discern 
The  omen  of  a  bless’d  return ;  65 

So  might  th’  encomiastic  lay 
Recording  these  triumphant  deeds, 

Foretel  in  many  a  future  day 
Of  garlands  won  by  conquering  steeds ; 

Which  shall  th’  illustrious  city  raise  70 

In  festal  melodies  of  praise. 

Oh  Lycian  Phoebus  !  Delian  king. 

Who  lovest  Castalia’s  pure  Parnassian  spring. 

May  these  warm  hopes  acceptance  find 
With  Etna’s  valiant  sons,  in  thine  approving  mind ! 

For  by  the  ruling  powers  of  heaven  .  76 

All  virtues  are  to  mortals  given. 

Wisdom  is  theirs — from  them  are  sprung 
The  active  hand,  the  fluent  tortgue. 

And  when,  the  victor’s  might  to  sing,  60 

Eager  I  wake  the  lyric  string, 

I  fear  not  from  an  erring  bow 
The  brazen-headed  shaft  to  throw, 

But  scattering  far  the  darts  of  song, 

Hope  to  confound  the  rival  throng.  85 

Oh  !  thue  may  Hiero’s  happy  state 
Succeeding  ages  give  to  last, 


69  Hiero,  to  whom  the  first  Olympic  ode  is  addressed. 


*  FIRST  PYTHIAN  ODE 


95 


And  grant,  to  crown  his  prosperous  fate, 
Oblivion  of  the  sorrows  past !  90 

Her  solace  too  Remembrance  yields,  90 

Recording  in  what  numerous  fields 
His  hand  the  noble  chaplet  gain’d ; 

While  by  the  favouring  powers  of  heaven 
To  him  were  brighter  honours  given 
Than  Grecian  victor  e’er  obtain’d :  95 

He  still,  though  with  enfeebled  might, 

Like  Philoctetes,  waged  the  fight. 

Howe’er  oppress’d,  the  brave  contend 
To  sooth  him  with  the  name  of  friend.  100 

’Tis  said  that  erst  the  godlike  band  100 

Urged  with  inquiring  haste  their  way 
To  Lemnos’  solitary  strand. 

Where  Paean’s  tortured  offspring  lay  ; 

Without  whose  bow  the  fated  wall 

Of  Priam’s  city  ne’er  could  fall.  105 

Though  sickness  all  his  powers  opposed. 

Yet  he  the  Grecian  labours  closed. 

Thus  from  the  deity  may  Hiero  gain 
All  future  joy  and  respite  from  his  pain. 

Then  aid  me,  muse,  the  lay  to  raise,  110 

Sung  to  Deinomenes’  glad  ear — 

The  pious  youth  a  father’s  praise 

From  conquering  steeds  will  joy  to  hear.  115 

Come,  let  us  find  a  friendly  hymn,  to  sing 

The  majesty  of  ^Etna’s  future  king:  115 

89  An  allusion  is  here  made  to  Hiero’s  recovery  from  a  very 
dangerous  illness  under  which  he  had  been  labouring.  The 
transition  to  the  story  of  Philoctetes,  and  comparison  of  that 
hero  with  the  Sicilian  monarch,  is  highly  poetical  and  just. 
The  scholiast  informs  ua  that  a  covert  allusion  is  here  made  to 
Anaxilaus,  king  of  Rhegium ;  or,  as  others  understand  it,  to 
Theron,  king  of  Agrigentum. 


96 


PINDAR. 


To  whom  that  city  Hiero  rear’d — 

Subjected  to  the  bonds  of  law 
Which  Doric  states  from  Hyllus  draw — 

Since  heavenly  freedom  reigns  where  laws  are 
fear’d. 

The  heroes  who  their  noble  race  120 

From  Pamphilus  and  great  Alcides  trace, 

Who  dwelt  in  distant  times  below 
Taygetus’  aspiring  brow, 

By  true  allegiance  bound  would  still 
iEgimius’  high  behests  fulfil.  125 

From  Pindus  rushing  to  the  main 
’Twas"  theirs  Amyclae’s  walls  to  gain. 

In  glory  as  in  station  near 
The  heavenly  twins  from  Leda  sprung,  129 
Whose  milk-white  steeds  and  conquering  spear 
Throughout  ih’  applauding  world  are  sung.  129 

Still  o’er  their  fortune,  Jove,  preside, 

And  may  the  tongue  of  Truth  proclaim 

By  Amena’s  Sicilian  tide 

Their  citizens’  and  monarch’s  fame.  135 

Still  may  the  venerable  king 

Direct  his  son’s 'obedient  mind, 

To  harmony  his  subjects  bring, 

And  in  firm  ties  of  concord  bind. 

Saturnian  king ! — if  aught  my  prayers  avail,  140 
Soon  will  the  shouts  of  hostile  Tuscans  cease, 
Phoenicia’s  baffled  sons  from  Cumae  sail, 

And  all  our  naval  contest  end  in  peace.  141 

By  Syracusa’s  lord  o’erthrown, 

What  sad  reverses  have  they  known !  145 

118  The  colony  of  iEtna,  as  well  as  the  Megarensians  and 
Syracusans,  were  of  Doric  origin  ;  the  latter  of  whom  received 
their  laws  from  Hyllus,  son  of  Hercules. 

142  This  naval  victory,  achieved  by  the  brothers  Hiero  and 
Gelo  over  the  Etruscans  off  the  coast  of  Cumae,  is  again  men¬ 
tioned  in  the  ninth  Nemean  ode,  v.  69,  et  sq.,  with  nearly  the 


FIRST  PYTHIAN  ODE. 


97 


From  the  swift  ships  their  youth  he  hurl’d 
Deep  plunged  beneath  the  watery  world ; 

Setting  the  land  of  Hellas  free 
From  the  rude  bonds  of  slavery. 

To  praise  th’  Athenian  name,  my  muse  150 
From  Salamis  her  lay  would  choose  ; 

While  Sparta  glorious  in  the  fight 
Waged  near  Cithaeron’s  towering  height ; 

When  her  brave  progeny  o’erthrew 
The  Median  archers’  bended  yew.  155 

E’en  thus,  Deinomenes,  thy  fame 
Sounded  in  hymns  of  loud  acclaim, 

Near  Himera’s  well-water’d  shore. 

Where  thy  strong  arm  in  glory’s  field 

Made  the  contending  foeman  yield,  IGO 

Thy  latest  children  shall  explore.  156 

If  just,  the  brief  and  simple  tale 
O’er  lengthen’d  numbers  shall  prevail : 

While  loathes  the  breast  and  sated  ear 
Exaggerated  strains  to  hear ;  165 

Strains  which  disgust  and  envy  raise 
By  superfluity  of  praise  ; 

same  invocation  to  Saturnian  Jupiter  to  grant  continued  peace 
and  prosperity  to  the  Sicilians,  as  well  as  to  the  Grecians  in 
general.  Pindar  ascribes  to  it  the  most  important  consequences, 
no  less  than  the  liberation  of  Greece,  and  not  merely  of  Sicily, 
from  the  heavy  yoke  of  captivity.  The  second  victory,  recorded 
at  V.  154,  was  that  gained  by  the  sons  of  Deinomenes  over  the 
Carthaginians  at  Himera  on  the  same  day  with  the  victory  by 
the  Athenians  at  Salamis,  (A.  C.  480.)  These  were  themes 
worthy  of  the  patriotic  poet’s  enthusiasm,  and  he  appears  to  ex¬ 
patiate  on  them  with  peculiar  delight.  In  v.  152  Pindar  alludes 
to  the  battle  of  Platsea,  gained  by  Pausanias  with  the  united 
forces  of  Lacedsemon  and  Athens  over  an  army  of  Persians 
vastly  superior  in  number,  (A.  C.  479,)  on  the  same  day  with 
that  of  M  ycale.  This  great  victory  completed  the  liberation  of 
Greece  ;  and  perhaps  in  the  whole  range  of  descriptive  poetry 
we  shall  scarcely  find  a  series  of  victorious  actions  more  con¬ 
cisely  yet  more  appropriately  described. 

PIND. — I 


98 


PINDAR. 


And  the  dark  jealous  mind  annoy 
That  hears  with  pain  another’s  joy. 

But  unsubdued  by  envious  hate,  170 

(For  pity  were  a  lower  state,) 

Still  be  thine  honest  actions  sung ; 

With  steady  hand  direct  the  helm, 

Protector  of  the  peopled  realm, 

And  on  truth’s  whetstone  edge  thy  tongue.  168 

For  know,  a  fault  of  lightest  blame  176 

Would  brand  a  king  with  flagrant  shame. 

Since  be  thy  bearing  good  or  ill, 

Unnumber’d  eyes  survey  thee  still. 

Then  tarnish  not  thy  generous  mind,  180 

If  thy  delighted  ear  rejoice 
In  honest  fame’s  applauding  voice. 

Be  all  thy  bounties  unconfined. 

Like  the  skill’d  pilot,  spread  thy  sail 

Before  the  free  and  liberal  gale.  177  185 

Nor,  friend,  let  flattery’s  specious  wile 
Thy  better  judgment  e’er  beguile. 

When  life’s  brief  span  is  past  away, 

And  closed  the  transitory  scene, 

The  storied  page  or  poet’s  lay  190 

Declares  how  bright  that  life  has  been. 

Still  Croesus’  philanthropic  virtue  lives ; 

While  Phalaris,  who  made  his  victims  flame 
Within  the  brazen  bull’s  ignited  frame, 

To  everlasting  infamy  survives :  195 

170  That  is,  as  the  scholiast  explains  the  passage,  you  had 
better  be  praised  for  your  virtues  than  pitied  for  your  vices  or 
bad  actions. 

176  A  similar  sentiment  occurs  in  Fletcher’s  Thierry  and 
Theodoret,  (act  i.,  sc.  1.),  where  the  Prince  of  Austracia  says  of 
royal  dehnquents, 

“  The  sins  we  do  people  behold  through  optics, 

Which  show  them  ten  times  more  than  common  vicee, 
And  often  multiply  them.” 


FIRST  PYTHIAN  ODE. 


99 


Nor  is  the  hated  tyrant  sung 
In  festal  chorus  by  the  youthful  tongue. 

Success  is  mortals’  chief  reward  below — 

The  next  when  hymns  j)roclaim  the  glorious  prize — 
But  he  whose  lot  in  both  triumphant  lies  200 

Receives  the  highest  crown  that  Fortune  can  be¬ 
stow.  1S5 


THE  SECOND  PYTHIAN  ODE. 

TO  THE  SAME  HIERO,  ON  HIS  VICTORY  IN  THE  CHARIOT 

RACE. 


ARGUMENT. 

Pindar  begins  this  ode  with  an  address  to  Syracuse,  declaring 
that  he  brings  her  a  hymn  on  account  of  Hiero’s  victory. — The 
merits  of  the  victor  justly  demand  this  tribute. — By  way  of 
illustration,  he  digresses  to  the  story  of  Ixion,  who  repaid  the 
benefits  received  from  Jupiter  by  base  ingratitude,  and  when 
placed  on  the  wheel,  uttered  a  memorable  saying,  in  order  to 
deter  men  from  such  conduct :  this  leads  to  the  fabulous  birth 
and  history  of  Centaurus.— The  poet  then  adds  various  moral 
sentiments,  with  a  view  of  confirming  the  moral  truth  de¬ 
duced  from  this  narration,  and  repels  the  odious  charge  of 
having  slandered  his  patron  and  benefactor,  from  which  the 
example  of  Archilochus  would  be  sufficient  to  deter  him. — 
Then  follow  the  praises  of  Hiero,  especially  on  account  of  his 
wisdom,  and  the  glory  of  his  martial  exploits,  in  the  assistance 
which  he  rendered  to  his  brother  Gelon,.  whom  Hiero  suc¬ 
ceeded  on  the  throne  of  Syracuse,  in  his  contest  with  the 
Carthaginians. — In  conclusion,  he  subjoins  various  precepts 
and  admonitions,  especially  warning  him  not  to  lend  an  ear 
to  the  voice  of  adulation. 


Oh  Syracuse  !  in  whom  combine 
Four  towns  their  might  to  furnish  thine, 

Mars'  loved  abode — of  generous  steeds, 

And  men  renowiTd  for  martial  deeds, 

The  fostering  nurse  divine —  5 

To  thee  from  splendid  Thebes  I  come. 

And  bear  the  grateful  tidings  home, 

2  These  towns  are  thus  enumerated  by  the  scholiast :  Acra- 
dina,  Neapolis,  Tyche,  Epipolse  :  justly,  therefore,  might  the  poet 
address  Syracuse  by  the  epithet  fieyaXom\it{. 


SECOND  PYTHIAN  ODE. 


101 


How  Hiero’s  victor  coursers’  might 
Sped  his  earth-shaking  chariot’s  flight. 

By  frequent  crowns  that  shine  afar  10 

Resplendent  in  the  Pythian  war, 

Ennobling  high  Ortygia’s  seat, 

Where  Dian's  river  shrine  Alpheus’  waters  greet. 
Without  whose  aid  his  agile  grasp  in  vain 
Had  check’d  his  coursers  with  the  varied  rein.  _  15 
For  prompt  with  each  assisting  hand, 

The  huntress  maid  who  joys  to  slay 
With  certain  aim  her  sylvan  prey, 

^  And  Mercury  whose  godhead  claims 

Dominion  o’er  the  sacred  games,  20 

Placed  round  his  polish’d  car  the  shining  band. 
Taming  by  bit  and  curb  applied 
The  docile  steeds’  impetuous  pride  ; 

And  calling  to  the  arduous  course 
The  god  who  wields  the  trident’s  force.  25 
Each  lyric  poet  for  a  different  lord 
Frames  the  sweet  hymn  his  valour  to  record. 

The  Cyprians  thus  with  acclamations  sing 
The  praise  of  Cinyras,  their  glorious  king ; 

Loved  by  Apollo  with  his  golden  hair,  30 

The  priest  of  Venus  and  her  cherish’d  care. 

Favours  of  friends  conferr’d  upon  the  good, 

Lead  to  a  just  return  of  gratitude. 

Son  of  Deinomenes !  the  Locrian  maid 

Raises  the  loud  and  joyful  strain  to  thee,  35 

13  I.  e.,  the  island  Ortygia,  at  the  south  of  Sicily.  The  scho¬ 
liast  interprets  iroraixiag  by  njj  A\<}>eiwaas. 

19  The  scholiast  quotes  a  fragment  of  Alschylus  in  which 
Mercury  is  called  tvaytavioi,  president  of  the  games.  In  the 
Agamemnon  (v.  521.)  the  herald  invokes  Apollo  under  the  titles 
of  aoiTTip  Kavayuivios ;  and  in  the  next  verse  addresses  tovs  ayuviovi 
deovs  HavTOf. 

29  Homer,  who  so  often  confirms  the  historical  and  mytho¬ 
logical  tales  of  Pindar,  also  mentions  Cinyras,  king  of  Cyprus, 
as  having  given  to  Agamemnon  a  breastplate,  as  a  pledge  of 
hospitable  friendship  :  (II.,  xi.,  19,  20.) 

i2 


102 


PINDAR. 


Whose  step  secure  proclaims  her  nation  made 
By  thy  brave  arm  from  war’s  dire  tumults  free. 

As  fame  reports,  thus  by  the  gods’  behest, 

Whirl’d  on  his  rapid  wheel  Ixion  cries — 

“Mortals,  bear  this  upon  your  minds  impress’d —  40 
Requite  their  love  from  whom  your  blessings  rise.” 

This  truth  he  from  experience  drew, 

Dwelling  with  heaven’s  Saturnian  train, 

His  raptured  soul  unable  grew 

Such  mighty  transport  to  sustain ;  45 

When  raging  with  unhallow’d  flame 

His  wild  imagination  strove 

To  ravish  the  celestial  dame 

Who  shares  the  glorious  couch  of  .love. 

The  deed,  with  peril  fraught,  he  tried,  50 

By  fearless  insolence  impell’d; 

But  quickly  his  aspiring  pride 
Avenging  retribution  quell’d. 

These  crimes  with  double  weight  pursued 
The  sinning  hero  to  his  doom,  65 

Hands  first  in  kindred  blood  imbrued, 

A  father  hurried  to  the  tomb.  59 

Next  his  endeavour,  rash  and  vain, 

The  partner  of  Jove’s  bed  to  gain. 

Let  this  instruct  ambitious  man  60 

The  measure  of  his  might  to  scan ; 

Since  but  disgrace  and  endless  wo 
From  unallow’d  embraces  flow. 

The  fool  who  grasp’d  at  heavenly  charms 
Fill’d  with  a  cloud  his  cheated  arms  ;  65 

Whose  form'  became  the  stately  mien 
That  marks  the  bright  Saturnian  queen. 

The  hands  of  Jove  this  dire  deceit 
Framed,  for  his  crimes  a  guerdon  meet. 

67  This  alludes  to  the  murder  of  Deioneus  by  his  son-in-Iavr 
Ixion,  which  was  perpetrated  by  throwing  him  alive  into  a  pit 
filled  with  burning  coals. 


SECOND  PYTHIAN  ODE. 


103 


There  on  the  deadly  circle  laid, 

Whose  fourfold  chain  himself  had  made, 

His  limbs  in  dreadful  torment  wound 
Th’  inevitable  wheel  around, 

The  wretch  with  tardy  wisdom  fraught. 

To  all  mankind  this  lesson  taught. 

Submitting  to  his  strong  embrace. 

Her  proud  ungracious  son  she  bore. 

Unhonour’d  by  the  heavenly  race. 

Nor  known  to  mortal  birth  before. 

Centaurus  (such  the  nursling’s  name) 

Mingled  in  Pelion’s  shady  grove 
With  the  Magnesian  mares  in  love. 

And  hence  a  wondrous  army  came. 

Each  parent’s  nature  form’d  to  show — 

Bejit  to  the  mother’s  shape  below. 

While  rose  the  stately  sire  above.  88 

The  god  whose  speed  prevents  the  eagle’s  wing. 
And  moves  more  swiftly  than  the  dolphins  sweep. 
Sporting  on  rapid  fin,  the  watery  deep, 

Can  mortal  hopes  to  prosperous  issue  bring ;  90 

Subdues-  the  pride  of  one  aspiring  mind. 

And  deathless  fame  to  others  has  assign’d. 

But  let  me  not  with  slanderous  tale 
Like  beast  of  hostile  tooth  assail ; 

For  as  I  saw,  though  far  away,  95 

Archilochus,  whose  bitter  vein 
His  rancorous  spleen  could  ne’er  restrain, 
O’erwhelmed  in  want  and  misery  lay. 

Imperial  wealth  by  wisdom  graced 

In  the  first  lot  of  bliss  is  placed  ;  100 

71  I.  e.,  the  wheel  with  four  radii  or  spokes  to  which  Ixiou 
was  bound. 

96  The  story  of  this  poet,  who,  by  the  bitterness  of  his  poet¬ 
ical  slander,  caused  the  death  of  his  father-in-law  Lycambes, 
presents  a  remarkable  instance  of  retributive  justice.  By  far 
away  is  meant  distant  in  point  of  time,  as  Archilochus  flourished 
nearly  one  hundred  and  fifty  years  prior  to  Pindar, 


70 


75 


80 


85 


104 


PINDAR. 


And  this  high  rank  is  clearly  thine — 

Lord  of  the  host  and  well-built  town, 

Let  thy  free  mind  with  blessings  crown 
Those  whom  thy  fates  to  thee  assign. 

Of  all  thy  mighty  fathers  gone,  105 

Whatever  tongue  should  dare  proclaim 
Through  Greece  that  any  hero’s  fame 
In  wealth  or  honours  brighter  shone, 

With  folly’s  mark  would  stamp  his  name.  112 

But  when  thy  virtues  wake  the  song,  110 
By  flowery  ways  I  pass  along. 

In  youth  the  valour  of  thine  arm 
Shielded  thy  life  from  adverse  harm. 

Hence  I  declare  that  thou  hast  found 
A  glory  which  exceeds  all  bound ;  115 

Whether  on  foot  the  warriors  rage. 

Or  in  equestrian  strife  engage ; 

And  free  from  blame  my  praise  shall  sound 
Thy  counsels  in  maturer  age. 

Farewell — this  hymn  across  the  hoary  sea,  120 
As  by  Phoenician  craft,  I  send  to  thee. 

121  It  appears  from  this  passage,  which  is  confirmed  by  a 
fragment  of  Sophocles,  as  well  as  one  of  Aristophanes,  that  the 
Phoenicians,  like  the  Canaanites  of  Scripture,  were  always  dis¬ 
tinguished  above  other  nations  by  their  eminence  as  merchants, 
which  seems  to  have  passed  into  a  sort  of  proverb.  The  Cas- 
torean  song,  which  Pindar  sends  across  the  sea  to  Hiero,  it  is 
probable  that  nothing  more  is  intended  than  a  hymn  commemo¬ 
rative  of  an  equestrian  victory.  Castor  being  the  god  of  horse¬ 
manship  :  nor  must  it  be  confounded  with  the  Kaaropetov  pe^os, 
or  war  song  of  the  Spartans.  The  purport  of  the  following  pas¬ 
sage  is  very  obscure,  referring,  probably,  to  some  story  unknown 
to  us.  The  praise  of  the  righteous  judge,  Rhadamanthus,  which 
follows,  Heyne  considers  to  have  been  a  favourite  theme  with 
the  ancient  poets,  and  affords  another  proof  of  the  noble  inde¬ 
pendence  of  Pindar’s  mind,  and  of  the  value  of  his  friendship, 
which  prompted  him  to  warn  even  a  king  with  perfect  plainness 
and  sincerity  against  being  corrupted  by  the  false  praises  of  ve¬ 
nal  adulators.  The  construction  of  the  next  four  lines  is  by  no 
means  clear,  although  the  sentiment,  cautioning  Hiero  to  be- 


SECOND  PYTHIAN  ODE. 


105 


Thou  the  triumphant  Castorean  song, 

With  music  that  th’  ^Eolian  lyre  shall  make, 

To  which  the  seven  harmonious  chords  belong, 
Skill’d  as  thou  art,  with  willing  candour  take.  125 
Let  witless  boys  extol  the  shape 
Of  the  deform’d  unsightly  ape  : 

But  we  the  lofty  song  of  praise 
To  Rhadamanthus  justly  raise — 

Clear-sighted  judge  !  whose  rigorous  mind  130 
With  wisdom  and  experience  fVaiight, 

Ne’er  by  the  mists  of  flattery  blind, 

In  her  seducing  wiles  is  caught. 

How  often  from  her  whisper’d  lies 
Inextricable  evils  rise  !  135 

To  him  whose  lips  with  foxlike  art 
The  slanderous  calumnies  impart ; 

And  him  who  with  believing  ear 
_  The  tale  of  falsehood  joys  to  hear. 

From  such  deceit  what  good  can  spring  ?  140 

Will  this  or  fame  or  profit  bring  ? 

As  in  the  fisher’s  watery  toil, 

Aloft  the  buoyant  cork  remains, 

While  laden  with  its  finny  spoil, 

The  whelming  gulf  his  net  retains.  145 

So  I  from  fear  and  danger  free, 

Float  corklike  on  the  briny  sea.  147 

Ne’er  is  a  good  and  potent  word 

From  lips  of  treacherous  townsman  heard. 

His  wiles  that  all  alike  deceive,  150 

A  web  of  endless  mischief  weave.  ' 

Such  boldness  ne’er  can  I  approve — 

Still  be  it  mine  a  friend  to  love ; 

But  like  a  wolf  the  foe  to  view, 

And  in  his  crooked  ways  pursue.  155 

ware  of  being  misled  by  the  arts  of  whispering  slanderers,  is 
sufficiently  obvious. 

151  I  have  here  followed  Heyne’s  emendation,  arav  instead  of 
the  common  reading  ayav. 


106 


PINDAR. 


Oft  from  a  man  of  upright  tongue 
A  state’s  true  happiness  has  sprung  : 

Whether  in  solitary  pride 
'  A  king  the  reins  of  empire  guide, 

Or  the  grave  band  of  nobles  proud,  160 

Or  chief  of  the  tumultuous  crowd. 

Against  the  potent  will  of  Heaven 
’Tis  mad  ambition  to  contend, 

By  whom  to  these  now  might  is  given. 

Now  others  call  the  god  their  friend.  165 

But  calm  content  the  envious  mind 
In  their  delight  can  never  find. 

When  the  preponderating  scale 
Bids  any  happier  lot  prevail. 

The  rankling  wound  torments  their  breast,  170 
^Till  in  the  wish’d  jx)ssession  bless’d. 

But  he,  the  patient  and  the  wise, 

Who  to  the  yoke  his  neck  applies,  '  ^ 

Lifts  not,  like  oxen  prone  to  feel 
Each  casual  sting,  his  angry  heel-^  176 

Be  my  complacent  temper  shown. 

Conversing  with  the  good  alone.  176 


1 


THE  THIRD  PYTHIAN  ODE.  , 


TO  THE  SAME  HIERO,  ON  HIS  VICTORY  IN  THE  SINGLE- 
HORSE  RACE,  GAINED  IN  THE  TWENTY-SIXTH  PYTHIAD. 

ARGUMENT. 

When  the  intelligence  of  Hiero’s  victory  in  the  Pythian  games 
was  reported  to  him,  that  monarch  laboured  under  a  grievous 
disorder. — Hence  the  friendly  poet  takes  occasion  to  express 
his  wish  that  the  centaur  Chiron,  the  preceptor  of  .^scula- 
pius  in  the  healing  art,  could  return  to  life,  in  order  to  restore 
nealth  to  the  afflicted  Hiero. — This  leads  to  the  fabulous  story 
of  Apollo  and  Coronis,  to  whose  clandestine  love  he  owed 
his  birth. — He  then  proceeds  to  the  victor’s  praises,  and  prays 
to  the  gods  for  his  continued  prosperity. — Then  follows  acon- 
solatory  exhortation  to  bear  adversity  with  an  equal  mind,  de¬ 
rived  from  the  uncertain  condition  of  mortality,  and  the  con¬ 
stant  interruption  to  earthly  happiness  ;  which  truth  he  illus 
trates  by  the  examples  of  Cadmus' and  Peleus  ;  interweaving 
the  mythological  story  of  the  nuptials  of  Peleus  and  Thetis. 
— He  concludes  by  recommending  equanimity  from  his  own 
example. 


Oh  !  could  to  life  my  anxious  care 
Chiron  Phillynides  recall ; 

(If  my  weak  tongue  may  form  a  prayer 
Breathed  for  the  common  good  of  all;) 

Celestial  Saturni’s  potent  child,  5 

To  rule  o’er  Pelion’s  valleys  still, 

Howe’er  in  form  like  monster  wild. 

Yet  men  approved  his  friendly  will. 

He  nurtured  once  the  hero  kind, 

Asclepias,  whose  assuaging  art  10 

For  the  rack’d  limbs  relief  could  find. 

And  bid  each  torturing  pain  depart.  13 

Him  e’er  by  Eilithyia’s  aid 
Equestrian  Phlegyas’  daughter  bore, 


108 


PINDAR. 


Transfix’d  by  Dian’s  shafts,  the  maid 
Went  down  to  Pluto’s  dreary  shore ; 

A.nd  lifeless  in  her  chamber  lay, 

A.  victim  to  the  god  of  day. 

No  slight  or  trivial  wounds  proceed 
From  wrath  of  Jove’s  immortal  seed. 

Her  sire  beguiled — her  mind  subdued 
By  folly — with  contempt  she  view’d 
The  ties  that  charm’d  her  heart  before ; 
Loved  by  the  god,  whose  locks  unshorn 
His  brow  with  youthful  grace  adorn, 

The  fruit  of  heavenly  race  she  bore. 

Her  haughty  soul  could  ne’er  sustain 
To  see  the  marriage  table  spread, 

Or  listen  to  the  nuptial  strain 
By  the  coeval  virgins  led ; 

Whose  melody  their  raptured  ear 
At  evening’s  hour  delights  to  hear  : 

But  sicken’d  with  desire  to  prove 
The  ardours  of  an  absent  love. 

Full  many  share  the  damsel’s  pain — 
What  tribes  of  mortals,  rash  and  vain. 
Blind  to  the  good  that  courts  their  view, 
Eager  some  distant  joy  pursue  ! 

And  lured  by  hope’s  delusive  gleam 
Chase  but  an  unsubstantial  dream.  41 

Fair-robed  Coronis’  scornful  mind 
Such  fate  was  justly  doom’d  to  find  ; 

For  in  the  stranger’s  couch  she  lay, 

Who  from  Arcadia  bent  his  way. 

But  Loxias,  who  on  Pytho’s  shrine 
With  kingly  eye  in  act  divine 
Sees  many  a  victim  bleed. 

He  who  by  wisdom  all  his  own 
Makes  to  himself  each  action  known, 
Survey’d  the  impious  deed, 

45  Apollo  or  the  Sun,  so  named  from  his  oblique 
through  the  ecliptic. 


16 


30 


25 


30 


35 


40 


45 


50 

course 


THIRD  PYTHIAN  ODE. 


109 


No  falsehood  mocks  his  piercing  sight, 

Nor  gods  nor  men  elude  the  skill 
Which  judges  in  prophetic  light 
The  open  act,  the  secret  will. 

Then  having  known  the  fraud  that  led  65 

The  nymph  to  Ischys’  foreign  bed. 

His  sister  fierce  with  dire  intent 
To  Laceraea  straight  he  sent. 

The  maid  whose  habitation  rose 
Where  marshy  Boebias’  fountain  fiows,  60 
Too  soon  her  alter’d  demon  drove 
The  ills  that  wait  on  crime  to  prove. 

When  by  the  cruel  plague  pursued 

Her  sin  the  guiltless  neighbours  rued —  65 

Sad  victims  of  a  common  tomb — 

As  from  one  fatal  spark  arise 
The  fiames  aspiring  to  the  skies. 

And  all  the  crackling  wood  consume.  67 

60  Boebias,  so  named  from  one  of  the  nymphs,  is  a  fountain 
near  Lacenea,  in  Pelasgiotis.  Catullus,  (de  Nupt.  Pel.  etThet. 
286,  ed.  Voss  ;) — 

“  Xyniasi  et  linquens  Doris  celebrata  choreis 
Boebiados.” 

In  which  passage  some  editions  read  Minosin  and  Nonatios  for 
Xyniasi  and  Boebiados.  Doering  reads  Mnemonidum,  and  Non- 
vacuics  instead  of  Boebiados.  Strabo  (Geogr.  lib.  ix.)  appears  to 
confirm  Vossius’  reading. 

61  It  is  perhaps  unnecessary  to  refer  the  critical  reader  to 
Bentley’s  Dissertation  on  Phalaris  (p.  216—218)  for  an  excel¬ 
lent  elucidation  of  the  expression  baifiuiv  irepos,  which  the  Ex¬ 
aminer  had  denied  to  be  poetical.  I'he  scholiast  explains  trcpos 
by  6  KOKotroioi and  quotes  a  choliambic  of  Callimachus  to  con¬ 
firm  his  interpretation.  I'o  the  remarks  of  our  admirable  critic, 
who,  if  not  gifted  with  any  great  talent  in  metrical  composition, 
had  nevertheless  a  very  accurate  perception  of  the  niceties  of 
poetical  expression,  I  would  add  the  words  of  Euripides (Med. 
1106  ;)— 


Saipwv  olros : 
meaning  death. 
riNn.— K 


etSe  Kvfitjcet 


no 


PINDAR. 


But  when  upon  the  funeral  pyre 

Her  kindred  placed  the  maid,  70 

And  curiing^  round  the  greedy  fire, 

In  vivid  lustre  play’d — 

“  My  soul,”  thus  spoke  the  god  of  day, 

“  Its  own  bright  race  abhors  to  slay  ; 
O’erwhelm’d  by  that  most  wretched  death  75 
Which  stopp’d  the  hapless  mother’s  breath.” 
This  said,  with  one  short  step  he  came. 

And  snatch’d  his  infant  from  the  flame ; 
Through  whose  divided  channel  trcKl 
The  feet  of  the  departing  god.  80 

The  rescued  child  he  gave  to  share 
Magnesian  centaur’s  fostering  care  ; 

And  learn  of  him  the  soothing  art 
That  wards  from  man  disease’s  dart.  83 

Of  those  whom  nature  made  to  feel  85 

Corroding  ulcers  gnaw  their  frame  ; 

Or  stones  far  hurl’d,  or  glittering  steel. 

All  to  the  great  physician  came. 

By  summer’s  heat  or  winter’s  cold 
Oppress’d,  of  him  they  sought  relief.  90 

Each  deadly  pang  his  skill  controll’d. 

And  found  a  balm  for  every  grief. 

On  some  the  force  of  charmed  strains  he  tried. 

To  some  the  medicated  draught  applied : 

Some  limbs  he  placed  the  amulets  around ;  95 

Some  from  the  trunk  he  cut,  and  made  the  patient 
sound.  95 

But  wisdom  yields  to  sordid  gain : 

Hands  which  the  golden  bribes  contain 
Are  bound  by  them  alone. 

At  their  command  the  grasp  of  death  100 

Restored  the  man  whose  forfeit  breath 
Had  from  its  mansion  flown. 

101  Alluding,  perhaps,  to  the  fable  of  the  resuscitated  HijypoU 


THIRD  PYTHIAN  ODE. 


IJl 


But  quickly  heaven’s  Saturnian  lord 
Snatch’d  with  each  hand  the  life  restored ; 

And  wing’d  his  bolt  of  lurid  flame  105 

Once  more  to  crush  the  mortal  frame. 

From  him  let  all  of  human  kind 
Learn  to  acquire  an  humble  mind : 

Nor  ’gainst  the  rulers  of  the  sky 

To  vaunt  their  fleeting  destiny.  108  110 

Affect  not  then,  beloved  soul, 

The  life  immortal  of  the  bless’d  : 

Let  prudence  thy  desires  control, 

In  practicable  schemes  to  rest. 

If  Chiron,  of  unerring  skill,  115 

Dwelt  in  his  Pelion  cavern  still ; 

And  if  the  sweet-toned  hymns  could  find 
Their  wanton  passage  to  his  mind. 

Then  my  persuasive  tongue  had  pray’d 
(Nor  vainly)  the  physician’s  aid ;  120 

Who  should  some  healing  brother  give, 
Latona’s  son  or  Jove’s,  to  gain 
Respite  from  fever’s  burning  pain. 

And  bid  th’  afflicted  god  revive. 

In  ships  that  cut  th’  Ionian  sea  125 

I  come  to  my  -^tnaean  friend. 

Mild  king  !  whose  cares,  from  envy  free. 

O’er  Syracusa’s  sons  extend. 

Foster’d  by  him,  e’en  strangers  prove 

The  blessings  of  a  father’s  love.  126  130 

If,  crossing  the  Sicilian  deep, 

Her  onward  course  my  bark  should  keep, 

To  him  my  grateful  hand  would  bear 
Of  twofold  joys  a  garland  fair.  , 

Health’s  golden  charm,  the  loud  acclaim  135 
That  sings  the  Pythian  victor’s  fame ; 


ytus,  thence  called  Virbius ;  some  suppose  Tyndarus,  othcis 
Glattcus,  others  HymencBus,  others  Orion,  or  Capaneus. 


112 


PINDAR. 


Such  triumphs  as  in  days  of  yore 
At  Girrha  Pherenicus  bore  : 

And  brighter  than  the  airy  star 

For  him  my  splendour  beams  afar.  136  140 

But  to  the  mother  would  1  pray, 

Whose  altar  near  my  dwelling  stands  : 

There  oft  the  nymphs,  who  bend  their  way 
To  her  and  Pan,  their  vows  to  pay, 

Assemble  in  nocturnal  bands.  145 

Thee,  Hiero,  whose  exalted  mind 
Can  to  the  heights  of  science  rise  ; 

True  wisdom,  with  experience  join’d, 

And  former  ages  render  wise. 

When  gods  or  man  one  good  bestow,  150 
That  blessing  leads  to  double  wo. 

While  fools  can  ne’er  with  decent  pride 
Sustain  their  adverse  fate. 

Calm  patience,  outwardly  elate. 

Shows  but  the  brighter  side.  155 

In  the  first  rank  of  fortune  placed. 

Monarch !  such  happiness  is  thine ; 

For  kings,  with  power  superior  graced, 

Must  above  all  conspicuous  shine. 

Peleus  nor  godlike  Cadmus  led  160 

A  life  exempt  from  every  care  ; 

Who,  beyond  mortals  bless’d,  were  said 
The  height  of  happiness  to  share. 

They  heard  when  Pelion’s  woody  hill 
And  the  seven  Theban  portals  rang  165 

With  strains  which  the  melodious  skill 
Of  the  gold-netted  muses  sang. 

One  fair  Harmonia  to  the  nuptial  bed. 

One  prudent  Nereus’  child,  illustrious  Thetis  led.  164 

To  both  the  hymeneal  feasts  '  170 

Came  Saturn’s  sons,  heaven’s  kingly  guests  ; 

139  I.  e.,  the  sun.  See  01.  i.  v.  9. 


THIRD  PYTHIAN  ODE. 


113 


Whom,  seated  on  their  thrones  of  gold, 

They  saw  the  splendid  gifts  unfold. 

Thus  every  care  and  labour  past, 

Rewarded  by  the  fostering  love  175 

That  guards  the  favour’d  sons  of  Jove, 

Their  drooping  hearts  were  raised  at  last. 

But  Cadmus,  in  a  later  age, 

By  his  three  daughters’  wretched  fate. 

Their  awful  death  and  frantic  rage,  180 

Fell  from  his  bless’d  paternal  state  ; 

When  Father  Jove,  in  radiant  flame. 

To  thy  sweet  couch,  fair-arm’d  Thyone,  came.  177 

While  Peleus’  offspring,  whom  on  Phthia’s  shore 
Her  only  son,  immortal  Thetis  bore,  185 

Burn’d  on  the  funeral  pyre,  in  cries  of  grief 
Compell’d  the  Greeks  to  mourn  their  slaughter’d 
chief.  182 

r  m 

Whoever  then  of  mortal  kind 
To  certain  truth  directs  his  mind. 

Let  hirh  with  grateful  heart  enjoy  190 

What  good  the  blessed  gods  bestow : 

His  shortlived  pleasures  to  destroy 
Soon  will  the  adverse  tempests  blow. 

How  great  soe’er,  it  speeds  away. 

Though  rushing  with  the  tempest’s  sway.  195 

179  The  fate  of  two  of  the  daughters  of  Cadmus,  Ino  and 
Semele,  has  been  mentioned  before,  (01.  ii.  36.)  To  these  Pin¬ 
dar  now  adds  the  third.  Agave,  who,  in  a  fit  of  madness,  slew 
her  son  Pentheus  (See  Ovid.  Met.  lib.  iii.  ad  fin.)  The  his¬ 
tory  of  these  three  sisters,  to  whom  may  be  added  Autonoe, 
mother  of  the  ill-fated  Actajon,  presents  a  striking  instance  of 
the  uncertain  tenure  by  which  mortal  prosperity  is  held.  In  v, 
184  Semele  is  called  Thyone ;  so  named,  says  the  scholiast,  ano 
Tov  TTcpt  Tov  Alovvaov  iraOovi,  hri  Qvu  xai  evdovaiq  Kara  rovs  ^opovs ; 
as  the  name  Semele  was  given,  6rt  aeui  ra  fieXtjTuyv  oivovpyowTOiv 
avTov  (b  Aiovvaoi  soil.) 

193,  194  The  metaphor  is  here  expressed  in  nearly  the  same 
words  as  in  the  last  verse  of  the  seventh  Olympic  ode. 

k2 


114 


PINDAR. 


Lowly  when  in  a  lot  obscure, 

But  liberal  if  my  fortunes  rise ; 

These  blessings  I  shall  render  sure, 

Obtain’d  with  all  my  energies. 

If  wealth  the  favouring  god  should  give,  200 
I  hope  that  not  unknown  to  fame 
My  honour’d  and  illustrious  name 
In  ages  yet  to  come  may  live. 

We  know  that  glorious  powers  belong 

To  the  sweet  poet’s  epic  song ;  205 

What  time  he  wakes  the  sounding  lyre, 

And  bids  departed  worth  aspire. 

Such  Nestor’s  lot.  This  charm  could  save 
Lycian  Sarpedon  from  the  grave  ; 

But  few  the  lengthen’d  age  obtain  210 

Whose  virtue  blooms  in  lyric  strain.  205 


y 


THE  FOURTH  PYTHIAN  ODE. 


TO  ARCESILAUS  OF  CYRENE,  ON  HIS  VICTORY  IN  THE  CHAR¬ 
IOT  RACE,  GAINED  IN  THE  THIRTY-FIRST  PYTHIAD. 

I. 


ARGUMENT. 

In  the  opening  of  this  extremely  long  and  highly  poetical  ode, 
Pindar,  whose  subject  leads  him  to  the  mention  of  Cyrene, 
interweaving  mythology  with  historical  relation,  digresses 
to  the  origin  of  the  colony,  and  the  prediction  given  by  Medea 
to  Euphemus,  one  of  the  Argonauts,  and  subjoins  the  inter¬ 
pretation  of  it  from  the  Delphic  oracle  given  to  Battus  con¬ 
cerning  the  origin  of  the  colony  which  was  to  be  planted  by 
him  in  Libya. — This  introduces  a  long  and  episodical  narra¬ 
tion  of  the  Argonautic  expedition ;  the  slaying  of  the  dragon, 
and  the  recovery  of  the  golden  fleece. — 1'he  simple  and  beau¬ 
tiful  description  of  Jason’s  sudden  appearance  among  the 
citizens  of  lolcos. — The  remainder  of  the  ode  is  occupied 
with  admonitions  to  Arcesilaus  respecting  the  prudent  and 
judicious  government  of  his  kingdom. — In  this  part  the  piety 
and  wisdom  of  the  poet  are  conspicuous,  although  it  may 
be  justly  doubted  whether  the  conclusion  be  altogether  suit¬ 
able  to  the  nature  of  a  lyric  ode. 


Tins  day  thy  prompt  assistance  lend, 

Muse,  to  the  hero  and  the  friend, 

Lord  of  Cyrene,  famed  for  generous  steeds — 

To  Delphi  and  Apollo  raise 
The  well-earn’d  melody  of  praise,  5 

As  the  bright  pomp  Arcesilaus  leads. 

In  ages  past  the  priestess  there, 

Who  near  Jove’s  golden  eagles  held  her  throne. 
With  voice  oracular  made  known 
What  truths  the  present  god  inspired  her  to  declare. 


8  These  were  placed  near  the  Delphic  tripod,  and  probably 
gave  rise  to  the  story  of  the  two  birds  sent  by  Jupiter,  one  from 


116 


riNDAR. 


That  Battus,  when  he  left  the  sacred  isle,  11 

(The  colonist  of  Libya’s  fruitful  land,) 

Should  rear  th’  equestrian  city’s  towering  pile, 
Secure  upon  its  chalky  rock  to  stand.  15 

And  treasured  in  his  mind  should  lie  15 

Medea’s  ancient  prophecy. 

Which  when  the  seventeenth  age  was  past, 
Petes’  vengeful  child  foretold, 

In  every  point  fulfill’d  at  last, 

The  sons  of  Thera  should  behold.  20 

The  Colchian  queen  inspired  to  tell 
What  from  her  lips  immortal  fell. 

Thus  spoke  the  fates’  supreme  command 
To  warlike  Jason’s  naval  band : 

“  From  gods  and  mighty  heroes  sprung,  25 
Give  ear  to  my  prophetic  tongue. 

Hereafter  from  this  seabeat  shore 
The  child  of  Epaphus  shall  move. 

By  mortals  cherish’d  as  before. 

And  plant  the  root  where  men  adore  30 

The  majesty  of  Libyan  Jove.  28 

Then  for  the  short-finn’d  dolphin’s  speed 
Shall  they  direct  the  rapid  steed  ; 

Instead  of  oars,  their  rein  shall  steer 
The  cars  that  mock  the  storm’s  career,  35 
That  omen  issuing  from  the  skies 
True  will  the  sure  event  declare. 

When  spacious  Thera  shall  arise. 

Metropolis  of  cities  fair  : 

Which  at  the  mouth  of  the  Tritonian  lake,  40 

From  the  great  god  in  human  form,  whose  hand 

the  east  and  the  other  from  the  west,  in  order  to  ascertain  the 
true  centre  of  the  earth,  and  which  met  at  Pytho,  or  Delphi. 

11  The  island  Thera  or  Callista. 

32-35  l.e.,  instead  of  the  naval  pursuits  of  islanders,  they 
shall  emulate  the  equestrian  skill  of  their  continental  neighbours. 


FOURTH  PYTHIAN  ODE. 


117 


To  his  kind  host  return’d  the  fertile  land, 

Euphemus  hurried  from  the  prow  to  take. 

To  ratify  the  sign,  Saturnian  Jove 

Thunder’d  auspicious  from  his  throne  above.  41 

Now  while  the  brazen  anchor’s  might,  46 
Curb  of  the  rapid  Argo’s  flight, 

The  sailors  o’er  the  ship  suspend, 

He  comes  their  labours  to  attend. 

Twelve  days  from  ocean’s  watery  bed  50 

On  the  earth’s  desert  back  we  led, 

Counsell’d  by  me,  the  naval  frame. 

The  cheerful  mien  assuming  then 
Of  him,  the  most  revered  of  men. 

Alone  the  mighty  godhead  came ;  55 

As  when  to  each  arriving  guest 

The  liberal  master  of  the  feast 

At  first  his  courteous  speech  applies.  55 

But  sweet  desire,  our  homeward  way 
To  urge,  forbade  a  longer  stay.  60 

Eurypylus  who  traced  his  birth. 

To  him  who  girds  and  shakes  the  earth. 

Observed  our  eager  haste  to  move  ; 

Then  snatching  straight  the  fertile  clod, 

Pledge  of  the  hospitable  god,  65 

To  give  it  to  Euphemus  strove. 

Obedient  to  the  will  divine. 

The  hero  leap’d  upon  the  strand, 

Receiving  with  extended  hand 

The  mystic  earth  his  fates  assign :  70 

That  whelm’d  beneath  the  briny  tide. 

When  evening’s  shadows  gather’d  round. 

Was  from  the  vessel  heard  to  glide 
Far  in  the  watery  gulf  profound.  70 

49  The  god  Triton  in  the  form  of  Eurypylus. 

64  This  mythological  tale  is  related  at  length  by  Apollonius,, 
in  the  fourth  book  of  his  Argonautics:  (1550-1600.) 


/ 


118  PINDAR. 

Full  oft  had  1  the  menial  train  75 

To  guard  that  precious  gift  enjoin’d ; 

But  dull  oblivion  seized  their  mind, 

And  render’d  all  my  caution  vain. 

Now  in  this  isle  is  shed  before  the  time 

The  immortal  seed  of  spacious  Libya’s  clime  ;  80 

For  when  by  sacred  Taenarus  he  pass’d, 

Whose  subterranean  mouth  to  Hades  leads, 

At  home  the  treasure  had  Euphemus  cast. 

Great  Neptune’s  son  who  rules  his  potent  steeds ; 
Whom  in  a  former  age  Europa  bore,  85 

Daughter  of  Tityus,  on  Cephisus’  shore.  82 

His  children’s  fourth  succeeding  race 
Had  seized,  with  Grecian  arms  to  aid, 

The  continent’s  extended  space  ; 

When,  exiles  from  great  Sparta  made,  90 

Mycenae  and  the  Argive  bay, 

The  wand’ring  train  pursue  their  way. 

Now  will  he  find  that  chosen  race 
Sprung  from  the  Lemnian  dames’  embrace. 
When  honour’d  by  th’  immortal  host,  95 

They  come  to  this  sea-girded  coast. 

And  there  beget  the  man,  whose  reign 
Shall  stretch  o’er  Libya’s  clouded  plain. 

When  to  the  sacred  Pythian  dome 

That  glitters  with  abundant  gold,  100 

Battus  in  after  times  shall  come, 

Phoebus  will  his  decree  unfold. 

That  he  in  ships  should  bring  a  numerous  band 
Far  as  Saturnian  Nilus’  fruitful  land.”  99 

83  Virgil  appears  to  have  imitated  this  passage:  (Georg,  iv. 
467  :)— 

“  T<Bnarias  etiam  fauces,  alta  ostia  Ditis, 

Et  caligantem  nigra  fonnidine  lucuin 
Ingressus,  Manesque  adiit,  Regemque  tremendum.” 

104  The  scholiast  says  that  Pindar  here  mentions  Nilus  in¬ 
stead  of  Jupiter,  since  this  river  was  by  the  Egyptians  worshipped 
as  a  god.  He  also  quotes  a  hemistich  from  Parmeno,  address 
ing  the  Nile  as  the  Egyptian  Jove  :  Aiyvnue  Zev  N«At. 


FOURTH  PYTHIAN  ODE. 

Such  were  the  strains  by  fate  inspired 
That  dropp’d  from  sage  Medea’s  tongue, 

Silent  the  godlike  men  admired, 

And  round  in  fix’d  attention  hung. 

Bless’d  son  of  Polymnestus !  thee, 

Gladden’d  by  this  spontaneous  strain. 

The  Delphic  priestess’  augury 
Bade  the  sublimest  hopes  maintain. 

Thrice  cried  her  monitory  voice, 

“  Gyrene’s  destined  king,  rejoice  !” 

When  thou  inquiredst  at  the  Pythian  shrine 
The  doubtful  issue  of  the  voice  divine.  112 

And  now,  as  in  the  vernal  hour 
Impurpled  glows  each  opening  flower. 

So  shines  his  eighth  succeeding  race, 
Arcesilaus’  youthful  grace. 

Apollo  in  the  Pythian  field 
And  just  Amphictyons’  high  decree 
To  his  triumphant  coursers  yield 
The  glorious  palm  of  victory. 

Him  will  I  to  the  muses’  train  -  125 

Give  with  the  ram’s  bright  fleece  of  gold. 

For  which  when  sail’d  the  Minyse  bold, 

Honours  from  heaven  ’twas  theirs  to  gain.  123 

111  The  expression  in  the  original  is  remarkable,  fieXicca 
AtXipis.  So  Callimachus  of  the  priestesses  of  Ceres  : 

Arjoi  OVK  atto  iravros  v?ni>p  ^opeovffi  Mt\i(X(xat. 

See  the  annotation  in  Benedict’s  edition.  Perhaps  peXiaara  in  this 
sense  may  not  improbably  be  derived  from  the  Hebrew 
an  intercessor  or  interpreter,  whose  office  it  was  to  smooth,  or 
render  agreeable  the  suit  of  the  petitioner  :*  (Parkhurst  ad  verb. :) 
as  peXiaaa,  a  bee,  probably  descends  from  the  same  root  in  its 
primitive  meaning  of  sweet.  Virgil,  indeed,  speaking  as  a  Py 
thagorean,  says,  (Georg,  iv.  253,) 

“  Hence  to  the  bee  some  sages  have  assign’d 
A  portion  of  the  god,  and  heavenly  mind.” 

Sotheby's  Version. 

So  Horace  of  Orpheus,  (ad  Pis.  391,)  sacer  interpresque  deorum 
*  The  •word  in  Genesis,  xlii.,  23. 


119 
105 

no 

115 

120 


120 


PINDAR. 


To  urge  their  bark’s  career  what  cause  was  found  ? 
In  chains  of  adamant  what-peril  bound  1  130 

’Twas  doom’d  that  Pelias  should  expire 
By  force  or  fraudulent  design, 

Who  waked  the  hero’s  vengeful  ire, 

Sprung  from  the  brave  jEolian  line. 

To  his  quick  thought  returning  still  135 

The  oracle  of  Delphi  spoke 
In  sounds  of  wo  that  loud  and  shrill 
From  earth’s  well- wooded  centre  broke  ; 

And  bade  his  jealous  mind  beware 

The  man  with  foot  of  sandal  bare.  140 

When  he  from  Chiron’s  high  retreat 

The  stranger  citizen  should  come 

To  famed  lolcos’  western  seat, 

And  gain  at  length  a  foreign  home. 

Then  brandishing  his  double  spear,  145 

Approach’d  the  wondrous  mortal  near. 

Wrapp’d  are  his  limbs  of  beauteous  mould 
Within  a  double  vesture’s  fold — 

Magnesian,  and  the  foreign  pard, 

’Gainst  pelting  rains  the  surest  guard  ;  150 

While  locks  in  sacrifice  unshorn 
His  ample  back  with  grace  adorn. 

Straight  coming  on  with  quiet  tread, 

He  show’d  a  mind  devoid  of  dread.  151 

When  one  among  th’  assembled  crowd  155 
Turn’d  to  th’  unknown,  thus  spoke  aloud : 

“  ’Tis  not  Apollo  I  behold. 

Nor  Venus’  spouse,  the  god  of  war. 

Who  thunders  in  his  iron  car. 

Long  since,  as  ancient  fame  has  told,  160 
Deceased  in  fertile  Naxos  lie 
Iphimedeia’s  progeny, 

Otus,  and  thou.  King  Ephialtes  bold. 

163  Homer  (Od.,  iv.,  304,)  gives  the  same  character  of  the 
AloidcB  gemini.  See  also  Virg.  ^n.,  vi.,  581 ;  and  Stat.  Theb.,  x., 
850. 

“  Vidisti  Aloidas,  cum  cresceret  impia  tellus  ”  fee. 


FOURTH  PYTHIAN  ODE. 


121 


The  virgin  huntress’  rapid  dart 

From  her  unconquer’d  quiver  flew,  165 

And  high-aspiring  Tityiis  slew, 

That  mortals  may  desire  to  prove 
The  transports  of  permitted  love.”  164 

So  they  their  mutual  thoughts  impart. 

Then  with  his  mules  and  polish’d  car  170 
Came  Pelias  rushing  from  afar. 

Mute  wonder  held  his  mind  in  thrall 
Soon  as  alone  the  right  foot  round 
He  view’d  the  well-known  sandal  bound. 

But  with  dissembled  fear  address’d  175 

The  monarch,  his  unwelcome  guest  : 

What  country  boast’st  thou  thy  dear  land  to  call  ? 
Fair  ofFspring  of  a  spotless  womb, 

By  mortal  lineage  art  thou  come  1 

Tell  quickly  thine  illustrious  race,  180 

Nor  by  detested  lies  disgrace.”  178 

To  him  the  bold  and  fearless  youth  > 

In  placid  words  this  answer  gave ; 

“  I  come  from  Chiron’s  shady  cave. 

Who  disciplined  my  soul  to  truth.  185 

By  Chariclo  and  Philyra  the  fair, 

Centaurus’  daughters,  I  was  nurtured  there. 

But  when  the  twentieth  year  had  fled. 
Homeward  my  youthful  steps  I  bent. 

•  To  them  no  word  of  parting  said,  190 

Naught  that  could  mark  my  fix’d  intent 
To  take  the  sceptre  of  the  land, 

Grasp’d  by  another’s  lawless  hand. 

An  honour  which  the  king  of  heaven 
To  jEoIus  and  to  his  sons  had  given.  192  195 

For  Fame  reports  that  Pelias  bold. 

Slave  to  his  wishes  uncontroll’d. 

My  honour’d  parents’  rightful  sway 
Has  snatch’d  with  violence  away. 

FIND. — L 


122 


PINDAR. 


They,  when  I  first  the  light  survey’d,  200 
Dreading  the  haughty  leader’s  pride. 

Sent  me  iu  pur{)le  iDhes  array’d, 

(While  feinale  shrieks  on  every  side 
Raised  through  the  house  in  solemn  show 
The  mimic  note  of  funeral  wo,)  205 

When  only  dark  and  silent  nigtit  ^ 

Was  conscious  of  my  secret  flight  ; 

And  to  Saturnian  Chiron  gave. 

The  nurture  of  his  hand  to  crave.  205 

But  all  the  tale  ye  know  full  well —  210 

Where  rose  my  noble  sire’s  abode. 

In  car  with  milk-white  steeds  who  rode, 
Illustrious  townsmen,  clearly  tell. 

Great  yEson’s  offspring,  lo  !  I  come 
A  native  to  no  foreign  home.  215 

From  Saturn  sprung,  the  heavenly  beast 
His  charge  by  Jason’s  name  address’d.” 

He  spoke  :  a  father’s  doting  eye 
Soon  recognised  his  progeny  ; 

And  from  his  aged  lids  below  220 

The  copious  tears  began  to  flow ; 

Which  showed  the  soul’s  o’e'rflowing  joyi 
To  see  his  best  and  loveliest  boy.  219. 

r' 

Attracted  by  the  hero’s  fame. 

To  them  both  Ison’s  brothers  came.  225 

This  Pheres  from  Hyperia’s  fountain  calls, 

And  Amythaon  from  Messene’s  walls. 

These  soon  Admetus  and  Melampus  Join’d, 

To  greet  their  kinsman  with  a  friendly  mind. 

Them  at  the  hospitable  board  230 

Jason  with  oourleons  sju'cch  address’d. 

And  bade  the  cheer  profusely  stored 
Exhilarate  the  freriuent  guest. 

Five  days  and  nights  their  courses  roll,  234 
While  pleasure  warms  each  festive  soul.  233 


FOURTH  PYTHIAN  ODE. 


123 


But  on  the  sixth,  once  more  the  youth 
Repeats  his  tale  in  words  of  truth. 

Then  follow’d  by  the  kindred  band, 

In  haste  he  from  the  mansion  went. 

Their  steps  to  Pelias’  dome  they  bent,  240 
On  rushing  with  tumultuous  stand. 

Soon  as  the  sound  assail’d  his  ear 
Came  bright-hair’d  Tyro’s  offspring  near. 

From  Jason’s  lips  with  sweetness  fill’d. 

The  mild  and  gentle  speech  distill’d.  245  245 

“  Petraean  Neptune’s  son,  the  mind 
To  praise  deceit  is  more  inclined, 

Than  justice,  though  in  grief  it  end. 

And  to  a  bitter  issue  tend. 

Hence  let  our  lawless  anger  cease,  250 

Be  all  the  future  joy  and  peace. 

One  mother,  as  full  well  ye  knbvv. 

Bore  Cretheus  and  Salmoneus  bold. 

And  the  third  race  from  them  who  flow, 

We  the  sun’s  golden  might  behold.  255 

The  fates  survey  with  adverse  eyes 
When  impious  kindred  feuds  arise.  260 

’Tis  not  for  us  with  sword  or  dart. 

That  perforate  the  brazen  shield. 

Our  fathers’  ample  wealth  to  part,  260 

The  heritage  their  glories  yield. 

I  the  white  flocks  that  graze  the  plain. 

And  yellow  herds  to  thee  resign. 

With  all  our  parents’  wide  domain. 

Which  thou  hast  seized,  enlarging  thine.  265 
Nor  shall  my  mind  with  envy  grieve 
To  see  thy  house  new  wealth  receive. 

But  thou  the  sceptred  monarch's  throne. 

Seat  of  old  Cretheus’  royal  son. 

Whence  he  the  laws  with  justice  fraught  270 
To  his  equestrian  subjects  taught — 


124 


PINDAR. 


These  without  pain  that  both  must  rue, 

Restore — lest  fresher  grief  ensue  !”  276 

When  thus  the  youthful  hero  spoke, 

From  Pelias  this  mild  answer  broke  :  275 

“  Such  will  I  be — though  tardy  age 
Now  warn  me  of  life’s  closing  stage, 

While  thou  art  fresh  in  youth’s  gay  flow’ret  still — 
Potent  thy  vigorous  arm  shall  prove, 

Th’  infernal  godheads’  wrath  remove,  280 
And  murder’d  Phryxus’  high  behest  fulfil : 

‘  Haste,  from  ADetes’  chambers  bear 
My  soul,  he  cried,  and  golden  hair, 

On  the  ram’s  fleecy  back  outspread. 

That  once  a  certain  refuge  gave  285 

From  stepdame’s  treachery  and  the  wave.’ 
’Twas  thus  the  wondrous  vision  said. 

Where  th6  Castalian  waters  flow, 

To  search  the  oracle  I  go — 

When  straight  the  voice  prophetic  there  290 
Bids  me  for  naval  flight  prepare. 

If  thou  thy  prompt  assistance  lend, 

W'hich  may  this  arduous  contest  end, 

I  swear  to  make  the  lot  thine  own. 

To  monarchize  and  rule  alone.  295 

Firm  witness  of  the  faithful  oath 
Be  Jove,  the  common  sire  of  both.”  298 

They  part ;  this  compact  ratified, 

Jason  the  herald’s  trump  of  fame, 

His  instant  voyage  to  proclaim,  300 

Urges  to  sound  on  every  side. 

Thither  the  sons  of  Leda  fair 
And  of  Saturnian  Jove  repair ; 

281  Phryxus,  whose  manes,  as  Pelias  craftily  insinuates,  are 
to  be  appeased  by  the  youthful  Jason,  was  the  father  of  Aiha- 
mas  and  Ino,  who  were  driven  from  their  paternal  soil  and  died 
in  Colchis. 


FOURTH  PYTHIAN  ODE. 


125 


Alcmena’s  too,  her  eyelids  set 

Within  a  silken  fringe  of  jet.  305 

Two  heroes  of  th’  earth-shaker  s  race, 

Whose  locks  in  clustering  beauty  play, 

Dreading  by  fear  or  dull  delay 
Their  ancient  valour  to  disgrace  ; 

From  Pylos  one  directs  his  flight,  310 

And  one  from  the  Taenarean  height. 

Be  this,  Euphemus,  to  thy  glory  told. 

And  thine,  oh  Periclymenus  the  bold  ! 

The  harper  Orpheus  join’d  the  valiant  train, 

Apollo’s  vaunted  son,  and  father  of  the  strain.  315 

And  Hermes  of  the  golden  wand  316 

Sent  his  twin  sons,  whose  bosoms  beat 
To  join  the  enterprising  band 

With  fervent  youth’s  impetuous  heat. 

Prompt  at  the  call,  with  fearless  heart  320 
Echion,  Erytus  depart 
From  their  loved  home,  that  lay  below 
Distant  Pangaeus’  lofty  brow. 

Boreas,  whose  rule  the  winds  obey, 

Arm’d  his  brave  sons,  whose  back  display’d  325 
The  ample  pinions’  purple  shade, 

Zetes  and  Calais  for  the  fray.  326 

Great  Juno  waked  the  sweet  desire 

Which  bade  the  demigods  aspire 

With  Argo  o’er  the  deep  to  roam  ;  330 

That  fix’d  in  his  maternal  home 

Remote  from  peril  none  should  slay. 

And  wear  his  laggard  age  away. 

But  share  his  fellow  heroes’  toil, 

Death’s  fairest  antidote,  the  spoil  335 

Soon  as  to  proud  lolcos’  town 

Came  the  bright  flower  of  seamen  down, 

Jason  extoll’d  with  praises  due, 

And  number’d  all  the  valiant  crew. 

1. 2 


126 


PINDAR. 


Skill’d  in  each  bird  that  cleaves  the  sky,  340 
And  sacred  lots  of  augury, 

Mopsus  enjoin’d  the  host  their  sail 
To  spread  before  the  favouring  gale. 

But  when  they  hang  upon  the  prow 
Their  anchors  o’er  the  deep  below,  345 

Fix’d  at  the  stern,  the  chief  displays 
His  sacred  vial’s  golden  blaze. 

Invoking  heaven’s  great  father  Jove, 

Who  wields  his  lightning  spear  above ; 

Waves  that  o’er  ocean’s  bosom  play,  350 

And  breezes’  every  varying  way. 

Calm  nights  and  days  his  prayers  implore. 

And  sweet  return,  their  wanderings  o’er.  349 

Propitious  thunder’s  awful  sound 

Heaven’s  favouring  answer  quickly  spoke, 
And  lightning’s  forked  darts  around  356 

From  all  the  clouds  irradiate  broke. 

Elated  at  the  prosperous  sign. 

The  heroes  glow  with  joy  divine. 

The  augur  issued  his  command  360 

To  ply  their  oars  with  constant  force,  . 
Suggesting  to  the  valiant  band 

Sweet  hopes  to  cheer  them  on  their  course. 
Quick  gaining  with  the  breezy  south 
Th’  inhospitable  ocean’s  mouth,  365 

There  to  the  god  a  shrine  they  rear 
Who  sways  the  raging  sea’s  career. 

(Of  Thracian  bulls  a  tawny  herd, 

To  aid  the  sacrifice,  appear’d,) 

And  hollow  altar’s  heaven-built  pile,  370 

From  stony  quarry  hewn  erewhile.  367 

Not  yet  the  dangerous  pass  explored. 

They  supplicate  the  vessel’s  lord 

To  fly  the  inevitable  shock 

That  springs  from  the  twin  clashing  rock.  375 


FOURTH  PYTHIAN  ODE. 


127 


But  now  the  jarring  portals  close, 

For  ever  fix’d  in  dead  repose  : 

Since  the  proud  demigods  by  fate 
Are  urged  to  cross  the  narrow  strait. 

And  next  the  wandering  heroes  trace  380 

To  Phasis’  flowing  streams  their  way, 
Mingling  with  Colchis’  swarthy  race, 

And  great  ^etes  in  the  fray. 

Venus,  whose  darts  inflict  the  sharpest  wound. 

First  to  mankind  the  raging  songster  bore,  385 
Which  to  the  wheel  indissolubly  bound. 

That  from  Olympus  gain’d  its  magic  round, 

Taught  wise  iEsonides  her  charmed  lore ;  386 

That  from  Medea’s  raging  mind 
All  shame  of  parents  left  behind  390 

Persuasion’s  lash  might  take,  and  prove 
Greece  the  sole  object  of  her  love. 

The  sum  of  all  the  labours  dire 

Enjoin’d  him  by  her  cruel  sire 

She  told  ;  and  mingled  with  the  oil  395 

Her  antidotes  to  rugged  toil, 

Given  to  anoint  his  manly  frame, 

Then  in  sweet  Hymen’s  bands  they  vow’d  to  quench 
their  flame.  397 

But  when  the  adamantine  plough 

iEetes  in  the  midst  had  set,  400 

386  This  is  the  celebrated  ivy^,  a  bird  which  was  supposed 
to  possess  the  power  of  inspiring  the  emotions  of  love.  The 
scholiast  gives  us  a  long  explanation  of  its  properties,  and  in  his 
comment  on  Nein.  iv.  56,  where  it  is  again  mentioned,  gives  its 
allegorical  pedigree,  by  declaring  it  to  have  been  a  daughter  of 
Echo,  or.  as  some  assert,  of  Peitho,  the  goddess  of  persuasion, 
who  by  filters,  or  magical  incantations,  allured  Jupiter  to  the 
love  of  Ino,  and  was  transformed  by  the  revengeful  Juno  into  a 
bird,  which  by  its  continued  whirling  expressed  emblematically 
the  raging  agitation  of  love,  J'he  classical  reader  will  call  to 
mind  the  impoitance  attached  to  its  agency  by  Sirnaelha,  in  the 
second  Idyllium  of  Theocritus. 


128 


PINDAR. 


And  oxen  wont  the  fires  to  blow 
From  cheeks  that  rage  with  constant  fret, 
While  thundering  on  alternate  feet, 

The  soil  with  brazen  hoofs  they  beat — 

He  only  their  rough  spirit  broke,  405 

And  led  obedient  to  the  yoke. 

Then  straight  a  cubit’s  length  impress’d 
Of  furrow  on  earth’s  yielding  breast, 

And  thus  he  spoke :  “  In  this  high  deed 

If  the  ship’s  ruler  shall  succeed,  410 

The  fleece  immortal  let  him  bear. 

Irradiate  with  its  golden  hair.”  411 

He  said :  his  robe  of  saffron  hue 
Aside  the  youthful  Jason  threw. 

And  trusting  in  immortal  aid,  415 

His  arduous  enterprise  essay’d. 

On  him  the  fire  could  work  no  harm. 

Awed  by  his  potent  hostess’  charm. 

Then  dragging  on  the  rustic  load, 

Their  necks  and  well-ribb’d  haunches  bound  420 
With  thongs  compulsive  thrown  around. 

He  urged  the  sharp  and  bitter  goad ; 

Then  labour’d  on  with  manly  strength, 
Completing  soon  his  measured  length. 
O’erwhelm’d  at  first  in  speechless  wo,  425 
JSetes  view’d  the  arduous  deed ; 

Then  admiration’s  transports  flow. 

And  praises  unrepress’d  succeed.  424 

To  the  brave  youth  their  friendly  hands 

Extend  the  social  train,  430 

His  brow  they  crown  with  verdant  bands. 

And  greet  in  courteous  strain. 

Straight  the  sun’s  wondrous  offspring  show’d 
Where  was  the  shining  skin  bestow’d. 

Extended  high  on  Phryxus’  sword,  435 

A  gift  to  war’s  impetuous  lord. 


FOURTH  PYTHIAN  ODE. 


129 


But  still,  these  mighty  dangers  pass’d 
He  hoped  the  youth  would  fail  at  last. 

For  in  an  ambush’d  wood  ’twas  laid, 

Kept  by  a  greedy  dragon’s  care,  440 

With  whose  dire  bulk,  at  large  display’d. 

No  lengthen’d  vessel  might  compare, 

Though  urged  by  fifty  oars,  by  strokes  of  iron  made. 

Still  could  I  speed  my  chariot’s  way, 

But  time  forbids  the  long  delay. 

A  shorter  path  I  know  full  well, 

In  wisdom  who  the  rest  excel. 

The  varied  snake  of  azure  hue 
He  soon,  Arcesilaus,  slew ; 

And  with  it  bore  Medea  home. 

Author  of  murder’d  Pelias’  doom. 

Then  mingling  in  the  ocean  deep. 

The  Erythraean  sea  they  sweep  ; 

Thence  mid  the  Lemnian  race,  who  gave 
Their  youthful  husbands  to  the  grave, 

A  test  of  corporal  strength  they  made — 

(Aside  the  cumbering  garments  laid) 

And  shared  their  couch  of  sweet  repose. 

Thus  in  a  foreign  region  bright 
By  day  or  in  the  peaceful  night  460 

Your  beams  of  happiness  arose. 

For  planted  there,  Euphemus’  race 
Illustrious  shines  with  endless  grace. 

453  It  would  not  be  an  easy  task  to  explain  the  geographical 
course  which  Pindar  here  describes  the  Argonauts  to  have 
taken  on  their  return  from  the  expedition  in  quest  of  the  golden 
fleece.  By  the  Erythrasan  Sea,  the  Indian  Ocean  is  to  be  un¬ 
derstood,  through  which  it  seems  they  came  into  Africa,  and 
when  arrived  on  land,  carrying  the  ship  on  their  shoulders  until 
they  came  to  the  Tritonian  lake,  they  sailed  into  the  Mediter¬ 
ranean,  and  touched  at  Thera;  thence  through  the.^gean  they 
came  to  the  island  of  Lemnos,  and  connected  themselves  with 
its  homicidal  women. 


445 

450 

455 

452 


130 


PINDAR. 


To  Lacedaemon’s  fertile  seats 
And  hardy  sons  the  wanderers  come ;  465 

Then  fair  Callista’s  island  greets 
The  heroes  in  a  foreign  home. 

With  honour  hence  derived  from  heaven 

To  you  Latoides  has  given 

Fair  Libya’s  wealthy  plain  to  crovvn,  470 

And  golden-throned  Gyrene’s  town 

With  counsel  justly  framed  to  sway, 

Which  her  bless’d  citizens  obey.  466 

Now  learn  the  Theban  sage’s  art — 

If  sharp-edged  axe  with  ruthless  stroke  475 
Her  branches  from  the  giant  oak, 

The  form  disgraced,  compel  to  part, 

Though  shorn  her  fruit,  enough  is  there 
Her  pristine  beauties  to  declare — 

If  fire  be  ever  sought  at  last  480 

To  shelter  from  the  wintry  blast. 

Or  among  pillars  straight  and  tall, 

It  now  sustain  some  lordly  dome, 

Hard  labour  in  a  foreign  wall. 

Leaving  all  bare  its  native  home.  479  485 

Thou  a  most  timely  healer  art. 

Since  Paean’s  favour  crowns  thy  name — 
Then,  oh  !  a  tender  hand  impart 
To  heal  the  state’s  disorder’d  frame : 

A  city’s  pride  the  weakest  arm  490 

May  shake  with  danger  and  alarm. 

But  hard  indeed  the  task  to  place 
Her  glory  on  its  ancient  base. 

Unless  the  god  with  sudden  sway 

Direct  the  steersman  on  his  way.  495 


469  Apollo,  the  son  of  Latona. 

474  (Edipus.  In  the  remaining  part  of  this  ode  Pindar  cau¬ 
tions  Arcesilaus  against  using  unnecessary  severity  towards  his 
Cyrenean  subjects. 


FOURTH  PYTHIAN  ODE. 


131 


For  thee  in  gratitude  is  wove 
The  garland  of  a  people’s  love  ; 

Then  still  let  bless’d  Cyrene  share 
Thy  kind  and  persevering  care.  492 

Now,  monarch,  with  attentive  ear  500 

This  maxim  of  the  poet  hear  ; 

A  virtuous  messenger  will  crown 
Each  action  with  supreme  renown  ; 

And  thus  will  to  the  muse  accrue 
Praise  from  the  herald’s  message  true. 

Long  time  through  fair  Cyrene  s  tovvn 
Has  just  Demophilus  been  known; 

And  Battus’  glorious  house  confess’d 
The  graces  of  his  spotless  bmast. 

Ere  yet  complete  youth’s  narrow  span, 

Among  the  boys  he  shone  a  man  : 

In  solemn  counsel  he  appears 
The  Nestor  of  a  hundred  years  : 

Slander’s  free  tongue  he  bids  be  mute. 

His  virtues  all  her  tales  confute  :  504 

Taught  the  base  railer  to  abhor. 

And  with  the  good  to  wage  no  war; 

Protracting  naught  by  slow  delay. 

For  short  with  man  occasion’s  stay. 

Well  can  he  seize  the  fitting  hour. 

No  slave  to  wayward  fortune’s  power. 

The  heaviest  this  of  human  woes, 

That  he  who  each  fair  blessing  knows. 

Bound  by  necessity’s  strong  chain, 

Must  his  encumber’d  foot  restrain. 

Like  Atlas,  tottering  with  the  w'eight 
Of  all  the  bright  incumbent  heaven, 

500  The  maxim  of  Homer,  called  by  eminence  the  poet,  to 
which  Pindar  alludes,  is  contained  in  the  fifteenth  book  of  the 
Iliad,  in  the  exhortation  of  Neptune  to  Iris. 

520  Alludes  to  Demophilus,  who  had  been  banished  by  Arces- 
ilaus,  and  whom  Pindar  wishes  the  nionarch  to  recall. 


505 


510 


515 


520 


525 


132 


PINDAR. 


He  struggles  with  oppressive  fate, 

From  home  and  his  possessions  driven. 
Immortal  Jove  the  Titan  crew  530 

Released  at  length  from  thraldom  due. 

The  seaman  in  a  flagging  gale 
Loosens  his  idly-fluttering  sail.  521 

But  soon,  his  deadly  troubles  o’er. 

He  prays  to  see  his  home  once  more.  535 
There  by  Apollo’s  sacred  spring 
To  youthful  revels  yield  his  soul. 

And  to  his  skilful  townsmen  bring 
The  lyre  its  varied  strains  to  roll. 

With  them  to  lead,  remote  from  strife,  540 
The  quiet  tenour  of  his  life. 

And  then  in  Thebes  recall’d  to  dwell. 

His  grateful  tongue  shall  freely  tell 
What  new  fount  of  ambrosial  lays 
He  struck,  Arcesilaus,  in  thy  praise.  533  545 

543  This  perhaps  alludes  to  the  discovery  of  the  fountain 
Hippocrene  by  the  horse  Pegasus. 


THE  FIFTH  PYTHIAN  ODE. 


TO  THE  SAME  ARCESILAUS  ON  HIS  VICTORY  IN  THE 
CHARIOT  RACE,  GAINED  IN  THE  THIRTY-FIRST  OLYM¬ 
PIAD. 


ARGUMENT. 

Pindar  begins  by  proclaiming  the  happiness  of  Arcesilaus,  espe¬ 
cially  in  gaining  the  Pythian  victory,  for  which  he  exhorts 
him,  in  his  usual  pious  manner,  to  return  thanks  to  the  gods, 
and  to  his  charioteer  Carrhotus ;  at  the  same  time  cautioning 
the  victor  not  to  expect  sincere  and  perpetual  happiness,  since 
no  one  is  free  from  trouble. — The  reader  should  bear  in  mind 
that  this  ode  was  written  at  a  time  of  civil  dissension  between 
the  king  and  people  of  (’yrene. — Nevertheless  the  ancient  fe¬ 
licity  of  Battus  "/ill  attend  Arcesilaus,  who  is  protected  by  the 
favour  of  Apollo. — The  poet  then  makes  a  transition  to  the 
predictions  of  that  god,  which  induced  the  Heraclidae  to  return 
into  Peloponnesus,  A.  C.  1104,  eighty  years  after  the  Trojan 
war ;  at  which  time  Pindar’s  ancestors,  the  .^gidae,  came 
with  the  colony  to  Thera,  and  thence  to  Gyrene. — 'I  hen  follow 
the  praises  of  Battus,  and  of  his  posterity,  particularly  of  Ar- 
cesilaus.-rThe  ode  concludes  with  good  wishes  for  their 
prosperity. 


All-powerful  is  the  wealth  of  kings, 

The  golden  store  when  Fortune  brings, 

And  Virtue  her  pure  radiance  blends. 

Around,-  to  bless  their  mortal  state, 

Attendant  crowds  obsequious  wait  5 

Of  clients  and  expecting  friends. 

Oh  thou  !  to  whom,  by  favouring  heaven, 
Arcesilaus,  wealth  is  given, 

Which  Glory,  from  lif^e’s  earliest  day. 

Illumines  with  her  brilliant  ray;  10 

Shining  by  Castor’s  aid  afar. 

Refulgent  in  his  golden  car ; 

FIND. - M 


134 


PINDAR. 


Who,  the  tempestuous  winter  o’er, 

Returning  quiet  gives  to  reign, 

When  the  retreating  clouds  restore  15 

Light  to  thy  blessed  house  again.  13 

The  gifts  that  mark  Heaven’s  favouring  care, 
With  brighter  grace  the  prudent  bear. 

Round  thee  wealth  flows  in  copious  tide;. 
Whose  feet  the  paths  of  justice  tread  ;  20 

Whose  potent  empire,  far  and  wide, 

Is  over  numerous  cities  spread. 

The  fairest  charms  of  royal  swajs 
Prudence  and  majesty  combined, 

In  thee  their  genuine  marks  display,  25 

Whose  eye  declares  a  kindred  mind. 

Now  happy  in  thy  recent  fame, 

Won  in  th’  equestrian  Pytho’s  game; 

This  pomp  displaying  hymn  is  thine, 

Which  leads  Apollo’s  sport  divine.  29  30 

Nor  thou,  great  king,  forget  the  lays 
That  celebrate  Gyrene’s  praise  ; 

Gyrene,  round  whose  fertile  soil 
The  charms  of  lovely  Venus  smile. 

Ascribe  the  whole  to  God  above,  35 

And  more  than  all  Garrhotus’  love ! 

Who  not  to  Battus’  royal  court, 

Whdre  Justice  and  her  train  resort, 

Gonvey’d  Excuse,  with  glozing  tongue. 

From  laggard  Epimetheus  sprung.  40 


30  AiroWwviov  Qvf)[xa.  The  Roman  Licdi  Apollinares. 

36  The  charioteer  of  Arcesilaus. 

39  Epimetheus,  the  fabled  brother  of  Prometheus,  married 
Pandora,  and  thus  introduced  all  kinds  of  evil  among  mankind. 
Excuse  or  Negligence  was  the  daughter  of  the  former,  as  Pru¬ 
dence  sprang  from  the  latter.  This  passage  of  Pindar  will  per¬ 
haps  bring  to  the  recollection  of  the  reader  a  similar  one  m 
Milton  :  (Par.  Lost,  ix.  853  :) — 

“  In  her  face  excuse 

Came  prologue,  and  apology  too  prompt.” 


FIFTH  PYTHIAN  ODE. 


135 


But  in  his  victor  chariot  home, 

Where  pure  Castalia’s  waters  flow, 

He  gain’d  the  envied  wreath,  thy  brow 
With  honour’d  triumph  to  adorn : 

Urging  his  wheels’  uninjured  force  45 

Twelve  times  around  the  sacred  course.  44 

For  never  by  unskilful  stroke 

His  car’s  compacted  strength  he  broke ; 

But,  the  Crisaean  hill  o’ercome. 

This  fabric  of  ingenious  hands  50 

Is  hung  aloft  in  Phoebus’  dome 
That  in  the  woody  hollow  stands, 

Upon  the  beam  of  cypress  laid. 

Where  the  bright  image  is  display’d  ; 

Which,  fix’d  by  Cretan  archers,  stood,  55 
A  single  offspring  of  the  wood  ; 

Conspicuous  on  its  lofty  place, 

The  proud  Parnassian  fane  to  grace. 

’Tis  then  thy  part,  with  willing  mind, 

To  meet  thy  benefactor  kind.  60 

Offspring  of  Alexibius,  thee 

Extol  the  bright-hair’d  graceful  three. 

How  bless’d  to  have  thy  labours  past 
Long  in  the  poet’s  record  last ! 

Of  forty  guides,  whose  skill  would  steer  65 
’Gainst  thine  their  chariot’s  rash  career. 
Bringing  with  fearless  mind  thy  car 
Alone  unbroken  in  the  war. 

And  now,  the  strife  of  glory  past. 

Thou  art  return’d  once  more  70 

45  The  scholiast  informs  us  that  forty  charioteers  contended 
with  Arcesilaus,  and  all  had  their  cars  broken  in  the  course ; 
but  Carrhotus  preserved  uninjured  that  of  his  employer :  in 
consequence  of  which  the  unbroken  chariot  was  placed  in  the 
temple  at  Delphi,  and  consecrated  to  Apollo. 

This  is  one  of  the  earliest  recorded  instances  of  the  custom 
of  suspending  votive  offerings  in  the  temples  of  the  gods,  as 
testimonies  of  gratitude  for  favours  received  or  calamities 
avoided. 


136 


PINDAR. 


To  thy  paternal  walls  at  last, 

On  Libya’s  fertile  shore.  70 

But  no  one'  is,  or  e’er  shall  be 
From  grief,  the  lot  of  mortals,  free. 

■"Yet  Battus’  ancient  fortunes  wait  75 

His  prosperous  and  his  adverse  state. 

He  forms  the  city’s  guardian  pride, 

A  shining  light  to  all  beside. 

Struck  with  deep  awe  and  panic  dread, 

From  him  the  roaring  lions  fled  ;  80 

When  he  to  speak,  divinely  taught, 

A  language  o’er  the  ocean  brought. 

Apollo  struck  the  beasts  with  fear. 

Who  led  the  colonizing  train, 

Lest  great  Gyrene’s  lord  should  hear,  85 

And  find  the  high  prediction  vain.  84 

He  who  to  man  with  healing  art 
Could  blunt  disease’s  heavy  dart ; 

Who  gives  the  lyre’s  sweet  notes  to  flow. 

And  muse  to  still  each  mental  wo ;  90 

Bidding  within  his  favourites’  breast 
The  tranquil  love  of  virtue  rest. 

And  ruling  the  prophetic  sound 
That  issues  from  his  cave  profound. 

This  could  in  Lacedaemon  place,  95 

In  Argos,  Pylos  the  divine, 

The  chiefs  of  brave  Alcides’  race, 

And  old  jEgimius’  noble  line. 

Let  me  the  fair  renown  proclaim. 

Which  from  illustrious  Sparta  came.  98  100 

My  fathers  hence  to  Thera’s  seat 
Th’  JEgidae  moved  their  wandering  feet. 

79  It  is  related  by  Herodotus  that  Battus,  the  founder  of  Cy 
rene,  meeting  a  lion  in  Libya,  uttered  a  cry  so  piercing  as  io 


FIFTH  PYTHIAN  ODE. 


137 


Heaven  and  the  fates’  supreme  behest 
Imped’d  them  to  the  victim  feast. 

Apollo,  taking  hence  the  hoard  105 

Which  thy  Carnean  rites  afford, 

We  raise  the  strain  of  fair  renown 
To  hymn  Gyrene’s  well-built  town, 

Where  Trojans  of  Antenor’s  race. 

All  sheathed  in  brass,  have  fix’d  their  place.  110 
For  they  with  Helen  came,  when  they  survey'd 
Their  native  soil  by  war  in  smoky  ruin  laid.  113 

Approaching  then  th’  equestrian  band, 

The  courteous  natives  of  the  land 

Receive  with  hospitable  care,  115 

And  sacrifice  with  presents  bear. 

These  Battus  led,  when  the  deep  wave 
To  his  swift  ships  a  passage  gave. 

He  to  th’  inhabitants  divine 
Rear’d  the  tall  grove  and  ample  shrine,  120 
Making  for  steeds  a  smooth  and  stony  way, 

That  the  great  god  whose  potent  art 
From  mortals  w'ards  disease’s  dart. 

Might  all  his  festal  pomp  display; 

Where  at  the  forum’s  utmost  bound  125 

Now  dead  he  lies  apart  in  holy  ground.  126 

While  among  men,  his  life  was  bless’d; 

And  when  the  hero  sank  to  rest, 

scare  the  savage  beast,  and  to  restore  to  him  the  use  of  his 
voice,  according  to  the  prediction  of  Apollo. 

104  This  is  the  epithet  of  Apollo  mentioned  by  Callimachus, 
and  which  he  prefers  to  that  derived  from  Claros  :  (in  Apol. 
70.)  See  also  v,  88,  where  he  describes  the  festivities  celebrated 
near  the  fountain  of  Gyre,  where  the  men  dancer!  in  solemn 
measure  with  the  yellow-haired  Libyan  damsels. 

118  It  appears  that  Aristotle,  snrnarncd  Battus,  constructed 
a  paved  way,  {oKvpu>rav  bSov,)  by  which  the  sacred  pomps  were 
brought  to  the  temple  of  Apollo.  On  this  pa.ssage  the  scholiast 
remarks :  Xtyrrat  6s  (rmpuirt]  avTi  Tov  XiSodrpwToj  ;  the  word  used 
M  2 


138 


PINDAR. 


A  people’s  love  was  still  his  own ; 

While  other  sacred  monarchs  laid  130 

Apart  to  death’s  impervious  shade 
Before  the  palace  gates  are  flown. 

And  now  thy  mighty  valour’s  fame, 

Steep’d  in  the  hymn’s  mellifluous  dew, 
Piercing  their  ear  with  loud  acclaim,  135 

Earth’s  dark  recess  shall  travel  through. 

The  common  bliss  of  all  the  race, 

W’hose  wreaths  Arcesilaus  grace. 

His  triumphs  in  the  Pythian  field 

Apollo  with  his  sword  of  gold  140 

In  graceful  numbers  shall  unfold ; 

A  recompense  the  lyric  strain 
Recited  by  the  youthful  train. 

For  all  his  toil  and  cost  will  yield. 

’Tis  said  of  old  the  prudent  raise  145 

Their  voice  in  such  a  hero’s  praise. 

Superior  to  his  tender  years, 

He  carries  an  unshaken  mind, 

And  bold  of  tongue  and  heart  appears 
The  eagle  of  the  feather’d  kind ;  150 

Whose  wide-extended  wings  display 
His  sheltering  valour  in  the  fray. 

He  from  his  early  youth  sublime 
Was  skill’d  to  raise  the  sudden  rhyme. 

And  foremost  in  th’  equestrian  war  155 

Guide  to  the  goal  his  rapid  car.  154 

Of  native  arts  through  each  fair  road 
His  persevering  steps  have  trod  ; 

And  still  to  crown  his  efforts  high 

May  heaven  its  ready  aid  supply ;  160 

And  grant  him,  bless’d  Saturnian  line. 

In  council  as  in  act  to  shine ! 

by  St.  John  (xix.  13)  as  denoting  the  same  place  which  the  He. 
brews  called  raP^aOa. 


FIFTH  PYTHIAN  ODE. 


139 


Let  not  the  black  tempestuous  gale 
With  hostile  force  his  life  assail, 

As  when  th’  autumnal  fruits  are  cast  165 

On  earth  before  the  wintry  blast. 

The  sovereign  majesty  of  Jove 
Guides  the  bless’d  object  of  his  love. 

And  may  Olympia’s  chaplet  grace, 

Bestow’d  by  liim,  great  Battus’  race  !  168  170 


\ 


\ 


THE  SIXTH  PYTHIAN  ODE  * 


TO  XENOCRATES  OF  ACRAGAS,  ON  HIS  TICTORV  IN  THE 
CHARIOT  RACE,  GAINED  IN  THE  TWENTY-FOURTH 
PYTHIAD. 


•’  ARGUMENT. 

The  poet  panegyrizes  Xenocrates  on  account  of  his  countiyr  and 
his  victory  in  the  Pythian  games,  promising  him  the  immor¬ 
tality  of  verse :  he  then  addresses  Thrasybulus,  the  son  of  the 
victor,  whom  he  celebrates  on  account  of  his  piety  and  filial 
affection,  comparing  him  in  these  respects  to  Antilochus  the 
son  of  Nestor. — Concludes  by  praising  Xenocrates  for  his 
moderation  and  proper  use  of  wealth,  his  evenness  of  temper 
and  suavity  of  manners. 


Give  ear — for  either  through  the  plain 
Of  Venus  with  the  laughing  eyes, 

Or  through  the  Graces’  fair  domain, 

The  bard’s  poetic  journey  lies. 

♦  This  short  poem,  which  the  scholiast  asserts  to  be  mono- 
strophic,  and  which,  both  in  its  construction  and  metrical  ar¬ 
rangement,  has  much  embarrassed  the  commentators,  opens  with 
a  declaration  on  the  part  of  the  poet  to  proceed  to  the  temple  of 
the  Delphian  god,  placed  in  the  centre  of  the  earth,  in  order  to 
celebrate  the  praises  of  Xenocrates,  father  of  his  friend  Thrasy¬ 
bulus,  vyhich  had  before  been  sung  by  Simonides,  and  are  again 
recited  in  the  second  Isthmian  ode.  The  periphrasis  for  Delphi 
in  the  third  verse,  ofi<pa\os  emPpofiov  may  be  illustrated 

by  Euripides  :  (Orest.  323 :) — 

rptiroSos  airo,  <pactv,  av  h 
cXaKC,  Se^afievos,  ava  to  SairsSov, 

\va  p.taop^\oi  Xeyovrai  ptv^oi. 

Again  v.  584,  585  : — 

AttoXXuv  Of  [ieaofi<pa\ovs  iSpas 
vaioov  PpoTotffi  cTOjia  vepsi  aa<pe<rraTov. 

The  allusions  to  the  central  situation  of  Pytho  or  Delphi  are 


SIXTH  PYTHIAN  ODE. 

To  thundering  earth’s  prophetic  dome, 

In  the  just  centre  placed,  we  come  ; 

Where,  guarded  by  the  holy  shade, 

Apollo’s  golden  grove  contains 
The  treasure  of  the  Pythian  strains 
Which  there,  Xenocrates,  is  laid 
The  bless’d  Emmenidae  to  crown, 

And  wateiy  Acragas’  renown.  9 

This  nor  the  wintry  storm’s  array. 

The  roaring  cloud’s  terrific  host, 

Nor  winds  and  whirling  sands  convey. 

Beneath  the  depths  of  ocean  lost. 

And  thou,  with  countenance  serenely  bright. 

To  thy  great  sire  shalt  tell  the  pleasing  tale, 

Oh  Thrasybulus  !  when  in  Orissa’s  vale, 

Thy  race  ennobling,  sped  his  chariot’s  flight.  18  20 

Firmly  thou  hold’st  the  precept  fair 
Which  erst  they  say  with  guardian  care 
Upon  his  mountain  station  wild 
The  son  of  Philyra  impress’d 
On  Peleus’  vigorous  orphan  child,  25 

To  reverence  Jove,  the  chief  of  all  the  bless’d. 

Lord  of  the  thundering  bolt  and  lightning’s  flame. 
And  through  the  term  allow’d  by  heaven. 

Such  honour  be  to  parents  given 
As  may  not  rob  them  of  their  rightful  claim.  27 

very  frequent  occurrence  among  the  ancient  poets.  See  Pyth 
viii.  82,  where  the  expression 

yaf 

oft(j>a\ov  Trap'  aotiipov 
is  doubtless  of  parallel  import  to 

ojjL^a\o(  iTti^pofiov  y^Qovos 

in  this  ode. 

13  Thus  paraphrased  by  Casimir,  (Lyric,  iii.  31,  6  :) — 

“  Quam  neque  turbidus 
Auster,  neque  emotus  refuse 
Subruat  Oceanus  profundo.” 


141 

5 


10 


15 


142 


PINDAR. 


This, noble  mind  in  days  of  yore  * 

Antilochus  the  valiant  bore, 

Who  -(Ethiop  Memnon’s  deadly  strife 
Sustaining,  saved  his  father’s  life  ; 

For  struck  by  Paris’  dart,  the  steed  35 

Slack’d  the  Nestorean  chariot’s  speed  ; 

While  he  the  powerful  spear  urged  on, 

And  the  Messenian  sage,  his  breast 
By  agitating  fear  oppress’d, 

With  no  vain  effort  call’d  his  son.  36  40 

Thus  the  firm  hero’s  yielded  breath 
Redeem’d  his  much-loved  sire  from  death. 

Of  all  who  m  a  former  age 

E’er  trod  the  world’s  eventful  stage. 

Him  first  this  wondrous  act  will  prove  45 
In  virtue  and  parental  love. 

But  his  renown  has  pass’d  away. 

Among  the  heroes  of  the  day 
Shines  Thrasybulus,  whose  fair  deeds  proclaim 
His  steps  have  reach’d  the  height  of  sire  and  uncle’s 
fame.  46  50 

His  youth,  exempt  from  fraud  and  pride. 
Collects  deep  wisdom’s  ample  store. 

Wont  in  the  muses’  haunts  to  hide. 

And  cull  their  scientific  lore  ; 

While  thy  sweet  arts  his  willing  mind,  55 

Equestrian  lord,  earth-shaking  Neptune,  bind ; 

And  his  sweet  soul,  in  social  converse  free. 
Transcends  the  honey’d  labour  of  the  bee.  54 

31  See  Homer,  II.,  viii.,  100;  Od.,  iv.,  255  ;  Pope’s  version 
In  the  former  of  these  passages  the  incident  mentioned  by  Pin¬ 
dar  is  related,  and  in  the  latter  the  death  of  Antilochus,  son  of 
Nestor,  is  alluded  to  by  his  brother  Pisistratus. 


•  THE  SEVENTH  PYTHIAN  ODE. 

N 

ro  MEGACLES  THE  ATHENIAN,  ON  HIS  VICTORY  WITH  THE 
QUADRIGA,  GAINED  IN  THE  TWENTY-EIGHTH  PYTHIAD. 


ARGUMENT. 

This  short  ode  opens  with  an  address  to  Athens,  whence  the 
victor  derives  a  great  portion  of  his  fame,  tracing  his  lineage 
to  Alcm«on  ;  his  triumphs  in  the  different  games  of  Greece 
are  enumerated  — The  poet  expresses  his  concern  that  the 
happiness  of  Megacles  should  be  diminished  by  the  envy  of 
his  rivals,  and  the  mutability  of  human  fortune,  which,  how¬ 
ever,  affects  all  men  alike. 


The  fairest  prelude  to  my  strain 
Athena’s  noble  walls  contain  ; 

Whence  struck,  thy  steeds  the  Ivre  shall  grace, 
That  hymns  Alcmteon’s  potent  race. 

What  house,  what  country  shall  I  name  5 
Through  Greece  of  more  illustrious  fame, 

When  all  the  various  cities  round 
Erectheus’  townsmen’s  praise  resound  1  7 

They  who  in  Pytho  the  divine, 

Apollo,  rear’d  thy  wondrous  shrine.  10 

Five  triumphs  in  the  Isthmian  field 
Urge  me  the  lyric  song  to  yield — 

Oh  Megacles !  one  glorious  crown, 

In  Jove’s  Olympic  strife  obtain’d, 

And  two  from  Cirrha’s  sacred  town,  15 

By  thee  and  thy  forefathers  gain’d.  16 

I  joy  that  merited  success 
Should  all  thy  recent  efforts  bless. 


44  PINDAR. 

/ 

But  I  lament  that  envy’s  cloud 
^  Must  thy  victorious  actions  shroud.  20 

Yet  such  they  say  is  man — whose  fate 
By  weal  or  wo  is  checker’d  still ; 

No  constant  happiness  his  state 
■  Attends  without  approaching  ill.  23 


THE  EIGHTH  PYTHIAN  ODE. 


TO  ARISTOMENES  OF  JEGINA,  ON  HIS  VICTORY  WITH  THE 
C^STUS,  GAINED  IN  THE  THIRTY-FIFTH  PYTHIAD. 


ARGUMENT. 

Pindar  begins  this  ode  with  a  beautiful  invocation  to  Tran¬ 
quillity  ;  then  expatiates  on  the  might  of  Apollo,  by  whose 
favour  Aristomenes,  the  son  of  Xenarces,  gained  his  Pythian 
conquest. — Then  follow  the  praises  of  .^Egina,  the  mother  of 
heroes,  especially  from  the  descendants  of  .^Eacus. — He  then 
resumes  the  commendation  of  Aristomenes,  applying  to  him 
the  saying  of  Amphiaraus,  that  innate  valour  is  hereditary,  and 
interweaves  that  seer’s  prediction  respecting  the  Epigoni, 
descendants  of  Adrastus  and  the  Argive  chiefs,  who  should 
besiege  Thebes. — To  these  he  subjoins  the  expression  of  his 
affection  for  Alcmaeon,  and  the  esteem  with  which  he  re¬ 
gards  him. —  Returning  to  the  victory,  he  supplicates  Apollo  to 
crown  him  with  success  in  future,  reminding  him  that  he  is 
indebted  to  the  favour  of  the  gods  for  his  past  glory,  the 
several  instances  of  which  he  proceeds  to  enumerate. — Expa¬ 
tiates  on  the  felicity  of  those  who  conquer  in  the  games, 
which  is  sufficient  to  counterbalance  the  miseries  of  short¬ 
lived  mortality. — And  concludes  with  an  address  to  ^Egina. 


Bland  Quiet !  who  preserv’st  the  state 
In  tranquil  peace  serene  and  great, 

Daughter  of  Justice,  whose  high  sway 
Council  and  war  alike  obey, 

1-5  This  metaphor,  denoting  the  well-ordered  tranquillity 
which  distinguishes  ^gina,  is  highly  poetical,  and  is  in  many 
other  passages  applied  by  Pindar  to  the  same  state,  the  origin  of 
which  he  traces  to  ^Eacus.  (See  particularly  01.,  viii.,  28  ; 
Nem.,  iv.,  19 ;  Isth.,  v.,  24,  &c.) 

4  In  V.  4,  how  scriptural  is  the  expression — 

K\ai6ai  'YTrtpraT'iSf 

to  denote  the  height  of  p  ower  !  (Matt.,  xvi.,  19)  Km  coi  ras 
FIND. — N 


146 


PINDAR. 


The  Pythian  hymn  that  now  I  weave  5 

For  Aristomenes  receive  ; 

Since  well  thou  know’st  thine  active  aid  to  lend, 

Or  mildly  to  the  fit  occasion  bend.  9 

When  ruthless  anger  fills  the  breast, 

Severe  and  hostile  to  the  foe,  10 

Thy  power  soon  lays  the  storm  to  rest, 

And  plunges  in  the  wave  below. 

Thee,  ere  he  felt  the  deadly  stroke, 

Reckless  Porphyrion  dared  provoke  ; 

But  learn’d  at  length  the  dearest  gain  15 

From  willing  owners  to  obtain.  18 

And  she  by  her  superior  strength 
The  boaster’s  pride  o’ercame  at  length. 

Her  nor  Cilician  Typho  fled. 

That  dire  and  monstrous  hundred-head.  20 
Nor  he  who  ruled  the  giant  brood  : 

For  by  the  lightning’s  deadly  blow. 

And  arrows  of  Apollo’s  bow. 

Were  the  rebellious  tribe  subdued. 

’Twas  he  that  with  propitious  mind  25 

Received  Xenarces’  son. 

From  Cirrha’s  walls,  his  brows  entwined 
With  the  Parnassian  bays  in  Doric  triumph  won.  29 

And  not,  as  by  the  Graces  scorn’d, 

Have  jEacus’  bright  race  adorn’d  30 

K\ui  Tt)s  liaaiXciai  Tiav  ovpavojv .  Again,  in  Apocal.,  ix.,  1,  Kai  eSodtj 
nvT(p  f)  kXcis  tov  ^pearos  rtjs  a^vaaov.  See  also  cap.  i.,  18. 

21  The  chief  of  these  are  briefly  enumerated  by  Horace  :  (Od., 
III.,  iv.,  53  :) — 

“  Sed  quid  Typhoeus,  et  validus  Mimas, 

Aut  quid  minaci  Porphyrion  statu. 

Quid  Rhoecus,  evulsisque  truncis 
Enceladus  jaculator  audax  ?” 

The  scholiast  informs  us  that  verse  15  alludes  to  an  attempt 
made  by  Porphyrion  to  take  away  the  oxen  of  Hercules  against 
the  will  of  that  hero. 


EIGHTH  PYTHIAN  ODE. 


147 


In  vain  with  virtuous  deeds  the  isle 
Where  cities  ruled  in  justice  smile  ; 

Since  from  old  time  her  glorious  name 
Excites  her  sons  to  deeds  of  fame  : 

Great  heroes  nourish’d  to  the  fight  35 

Of  swiftness  and  victorious  might ; 

And  tribes  of  meaner  mortals  round 
Throughout  the  earth  her  praises  sound. 

But  all  my  vacant  hours  will  fail ; 

Ere  to  the  lyre  and  dulcet  strain  40 

I  can  commit  the  lengthen’d  tale 
Satiety  the  mind  will  pain.  46 

Thy  triumphs  now,  heroic  boy, 

The  labours  of  my  muse  employ. 

Who  shall  convey  with  winged  speed  45 

The  record  of  thy  latest  deed ; 

For  in  th’  Olympic  wrestler’s  game 
Tracking  thy  noble  uncle’s  fame. 

Thine  efforts  Theognotus  not  disgrace  : 

And  in  the  strong-limb’d  Isthmian  fray  50 
The  wreaths  thy  vigour  bore  away 
The  glories  of  Clitomachus  efface.  ' 

Thy  deeds,  the  tribe  of  Midylus  that  raise. 

Deserve  Oicleus  son’s  prophetic  praise  ; 

Who  erst  in  Thebes  beheld  with  prescient  sight  55 
The  martial  youth  still  constant  in  the  fight. 

When  having  now  twice  left  their  Argive  home, 

To  the  seven- portall’d  town  th’  Epigoni  were  come. 

When  thus  he  spoke  :  “  Of  those  whose  heart 
Nature  with  generous  ardour  fires,  GO 

I  see  th’  impetuous  youth  depart. 

Warm’d  with  the  spirit  of  their  sires. 

54  Amphiaraus,  the  Theban  prophet,  whose  son  Alcmaeon, 
called  by  Pindar  Aleman,  bears  on  his  shield  the  insigne  of  a 
dragon,  prefiguring,  according  to  the  scholiast,  the  death  of  his 
father,  who  was  to  descend  alive  into  the  grave,  as  that  animal 
goes  into  the  holes  and  caverns  of  the  earth. 


148 


PINDAR. 


Aleman  on  his  refulgent  shield 
Whirling  the  dragon’s  varied  form 
Clearly  I  view,  while  in  the  field  65 

Foremost  at  Cadmus’  gates  he  bides  the  battle  storm. 

And  he  who  in  the  former  fray 

Fatigued  and  vanquish’d  urged  his  way, 

Adrastus  of  heroic  might 

Now  views  a  better  omen’s  flight ;  70 

Howe’er  in  his  domestic  state 

Vex’d  by  the  storms  of  adverse  fate. 

To  him  alone  of  all  the  Grecian  band 
With  his  uninjured  host  by  equal  heaven, 

His  dead  son’s  bones,  collected  through  the  land,  75 
To  bring  to  Abas’  spacious  streets  ’tis  given.” 
’Twas  thus  Amphiaraus  said : 

And  I  around  Alcmaeon’s  head 
The  verdant  chaplet  joy  to  place. 

Sprinkled  with  hymns’  mellifluous  grace.  80 

He,  guarded  by  whose  neighb’ring  fane. 

All  my  possessions  safe  remain. 

To  earth’s  prophetic  centre  as  I  went, 

By  his  paternal  art  convey’d 
The  answer  in  night’s  gloomy  shade,  85 

Which  to  my  charmed  ear  Apollo  sent.  87 

Far-darting  god,  whose  glorious  dome 
Within  the  Pythian  hollow  stands. 

Receiving  from  all  distant  lands 

Whatever  suppliants  thither  roam,  90 

76  Argos  is  thus  denominated  by  Pindar,  as  having  be§n  built 
by  Abas,  son  of  Lynceus,  and  father  of  Adrastus,  whose  son 
^gialeus  was  the  only  one  of  the  Epigoni,  i.  e.,  the  descendants 
of  the  seven  Argive  chiefs  who  did  not  return  safe  to  their  native 
land  after  the  Theban  war. 

81  The  house  of  Pindar  stood  near  the  temple  or  shrine  of 
Alcmaeon ;  and  as  the  poet  went  to  consult  the  oracle  of  the 
Pythian  Apollo,  the  answer  was  conveyed  to  him  in  a  dream 
by  that  hero,  who  appears  to  have  been  worshipped  with  great 
reverence — avyyovoiffi  re^vais,  i.  e.,  by  the  art  of  vaticination, 
practised  by  his  father. 


EIGHTH  PYTHIAN  ODE. 


149 


’Twas  there  thou  deignedst  to  bestow 
The  greatest  joy  of  man  below, 

And  gav’st  him  at  thy  feast,  oh  king. 

Snatch’d  with  an  eager  hand,  to  bring 

The  high  pentathlic  guerdon  home.  95 

With  willing  mind  accept  my  prayer. 

And  view  the  numbers  which  declare 
In  honey’d  pomp,  but  words  of  truth. 

The  deeds  of  this  victorious  youth. 

Your  fate,  Xenarcidae,  to  bless  100 

I  ask  the  gods’  perpetual  love.  103 

For  should  a  hero’s  might  success 
With  no  laborious  effort  prove. 

His  prosperous  life  the  witless  tribe 

To  his  own  prudent  aims  ascribe.  105 

The  vigour  of  a  mortal  hand 

Such  happiness  can  ne’er  command. 

For  by  the  gods’  superior  power 

To  hope  and  joy  the  vanquish’d  rise. 

While  he  whose  boundless  wishes  tower,  110 
Beneath  their  arm  defended  lies. 

Thy  valiant  deeds  unknown  to  fail, 

Delighted  Megara  proclaims, 

And  Marathon’s  sequester’d  vale  ; 

Thee  too  in  Juno’s  kindred  games  115 

Thrice  crown'd  th’  applauding  circle  sees, 
A^ictorious  Aristomenes  !  116 

Triumphant  in  the  wrestler’s  hardy  toil 
Thy  frame  upon  four  prostrate  bodies  lay — 

No  wish’d  return  from  the  dire  Pythian  fray  120 
The  gods  decreed  to  their  loved  native  soil. 

115  Alluding,  probably,  to  the  Heraean  contests,  established  in 
‘Algina,  by  imitation  of  those  at  Argos,  the  favoured  city  of  the 
queen  of  gods.  The  Algmetae  were  a  colony  from  the  Argives  ; 
hence  the  epithet  kindred.  Didymus,  as  the  scholiast  informs 
us,  says  that  the  Hecatornhaean  contests  are  here  alluded  to. 

121  I  think  there  can  be  little  doubt  that  the  right  reading 

«  2 


150 


PINDAR. 


No  mother’s  smile  of  joyful  praise 
Could  their  desponding  spirits  raise  ; 

But  as  their  steps  in  coward  flight 
Shunn’d  the  proud  adversaries’  sight,  125 

Harass’d  by  shame  and  grief  they  trod  the  darkest 
ways. 

But  he  who  has  obtain’d  the  meed 
That  crowns  each  fair  and  noble  deed, 

With  hope  and  joy  transported  glows. 

Him  swift-wing’d  valour  gives  to  rise,  130 
And  a  superior  good  supplies 

To  all  the  bliss  that  wealth  bestows.  131 

Full  often  with  increasing  light 
Glitters  each  mortal  pleasure  bright, 

And  shortly  dash’d  upon  the  ground  135 

By  some  unhappy  stroke  ’tis  found. 

Man,  the  frail  being  of  a  day. 

Uncertain  shadow  of  a  dream. 

Illumined  by  the  heavenly  beam. 

Flutters  his  easy  life  away.  140 

iEgina !  guardian  of  the  land 
Peopled  by  freedom’s  generous  band, 

Preserve  this  city  with  a  mother’s  love. 

Thee  may  King  iEacus  behold, 

Peleus  and  Telamon  the  bold,  145 

With  bless’d  Achilles  and  immortal  Jove.  145 

here  is  xpiOn,  (pro  e/rptft;,)  decreed,  although  some  commen¬ 
tators  prefer  «v  Kpt%  .  founding  the  interpretation  on  a 

notion,  which  I  believe  to  be  quite  gratuitous,  of  the  victors  in 
the  Pythian  games  being  sent  home,  crowned  with  a  barley 
chaplet.  Besides  that  the  first  syllable  in  the  Homeric  word 
Kpidij,  hordeum,  is  long  ;  (II.,  xi.,  69 ;  Od.,  ix.,  110 ;  xix.,  112,  &c. ;) 
whereas  the  corresponding  verse  in  the  antistrophe  requires  a 
short  one : — 

-IVO- 

peats,  e)(biv  Kpeaanva  ttXovtow. 


THE  NINTH  PYTHIAN  ODE. 


TO  TELESICRATES,  THE  CYREN^AN,  ON  HIS  VICTORY  IN 
THE  ARMED  COURSE,  GAINED  IN  THE  TWENTY-EIGHTH 
PYTHIAD.* 


ARGUMENT. 

The  poet  begins  with  celebrating  the  praises  of  his  hero,  which 
leads  him  to  a  digression  concerning  the  early  history  of  Gy¬ 
rene,  the  forcible  abduction  of  the  nymph  from  whom  that 
city  was  named,  and  the  birth  of  Aristaeus,  the  fruit  of  her 
connection  with  the  god  Apollo. — Returns  to  his  subject,  with 
which  he  unites  the  story  of  lolaus,  a  friend  of  Hercules, 
who,  having  had  his  life  renewed  for  one  single  day,  made  use 
of  his  recovered  existence  to  overcome  and  slay  Eurystheus. 
— Excuses  the  episodical  style  of  his  narrative  by  the  wish 
that  all  poets  entertain  to  celebrate  the  praises  of  Hercu¬ 
les. — Returns  to  the  victor,  and  enumerates  his  triumphs. — 
Recalls  the  memory  of  an  old  contest,  in  which  Antxus,  the 
Libyan,  proposed  as  a  reward  to  the  victor  the  hand  of  his 
daughter,  which  was  gained  by  Alexidamas,  a  fellow-towns¬ 
man,  or  ancestor,  of  Telesicrates. 


The  hero  of  the  brazen  shield, 

Victorious  in  the  Pythian  field, 

Great  Telesicrates  my  lays 
Would  with  the  deep-zoned  Graces  praise  : 
Bless’d  man!  Gyrene’s  joy  and  crown,  6 

Equestrian  seat  of  high  renown. 

Her  in  his  golden  car  of  yore 
Ravish’d  from  Pelion’s  sylvan  dell, 

Where  storms  with  ceaseless  fury  swell, 
Latona’s  bright-hair’d  offspring  bore ;  10 

*  The  armed  course  was  one  in  which  the  contending  heroes 
ran  with  brazen  shields,  as  the  first  line  indicates.  This  ode  is 
remarkable  for  the  flowing  beauty  of  its  diction  and  general 
simplicity  of  construction. 


.152 


PINDAR. 


Giving  the  huntress  virgin’s  hand 
Empire  o’er  Libya’s  realm  to  keep, 

Third  portion  of  the  peopled  land, 

That  teems  alike  with  fruits  and  sheep.  15 

The  silver-footed  Cyprian  dame  16 

Received  her  Delian  guest. 

And  with  a  touch  ethereal  press’d 
The  heaven-built  chariot’s  frame ; 

And  o’er  his  genial  bed  she  threw 
Sweet  modesty  of  virgin  hue  ;  20 

Joining  the  god  in  nuptial  tie 
With  powerful  Hypseiis’  progeny  : 

He  who  then  made  his  regal  sway 
Th’  impetuous  Lapithae  obey : 

The  second  hero  whose  bright  line  25 

From  ocean  drew  its  source  divine. 

Him  erst  in  Pindus’  valleys  fair 
Pencils’  bed  well-pleased  to  share. 

Daughter  of  earth,  Creiisa  bore, 

While  he  a  father’s  tender  h»ve  30 

His  white-arm’d  child,  Cyrene,  gave  to  prove.  32 

Not  fond  with  dull  delay  to  pore 
The  web’s  repeated  progress  o’er. 

Nor  hallow  with  domestic  rites 

The  banquet’s  festival  delights.  35 

13  Alluding  to  the  ancient  division  of  the  habitable  globe 
into  Asia,  Europe,  and  Libya,  or  Africa. 

25  Peneus  was  the  son  of  Oceanus,  and  Hypseus,  the  father 
of  Cyrene,  was  the  son  of  Peneus,  and  of  the  nymph  of  Creusa, 
daughter  of  Tellus.  The  description  given  by  the  poet  in  this 
passage  of  the  martial  disposition  of  Creusa  will  remind  the 
classical  reader  of  the  character  of  Camilla  as  sketched  by 
Virgil :  (Ain.,  vii.,  805,  sq  :) — 

“  Bellatrix ;  non  ilia  colo  calathisve  Minerv® 

Fcemineas  assueta  manus  ;  sed  pr®lia  virgo 
Dura  pati,  cursuque  pedum  praevertere  ventos.” 


NINTH  PYTHIAN  ODE. 


153 


But  with  her  dart  and  brazen  spear 
The  beasts  of  savage  brood  to  chase, 

And  render  free  from  every  fear 
Her  father’s  herds  of  quiet  race  ; 

Permitting  the  dull  weight  of  sleep  40 

But  lightly  o’er  her  lids  to  creep ; 

When  on  her  sweet  and  tranquil  bed 
The  early  beams  of  morn  were  shed.  44 

Her,  as  unarm’d  she  waged  the  fight 
’Gainst  an  impetuous  lion’s  might,  45 

Apollo  found,  whose  matchless  art 
From  his  broad  quiver  wings  the  dart. 

Then  Chiron  from  his  mansion  straight 
He  bade  the  potent  call  await. 

“  Hasten,  Philly rides,  to  leave  -  50 

The  dark  and  venerable  cave. 

In  mute  astonishment  survey 
What  mind  a  woman  dares  display  ; 

Fearless  of  heart,  what  perils  dread 
She  brings  to  her  courageous  head,  55 

A  damsel  whose  unconquer’d  soul 
No  labours  tire,  no  fears  control! 

What  mortal  gave  her  vital  air  1 
Sprung  from  what  source,  a  scion  fair 
Holds  she  th’  umbrageous  mountain’s  breast,  60 
With  more  than  human  valour  bless’d  ?  60 

Is  it  a  hallow’d  action,  say. 

By  fraud  to  seek  the  virgin  bower, 

And  pluck  with  ruthless  arm  away 
The  sweetness  of  her  hallow’d  flower  65 
To  him  the  sturdy  centaur,  while 
From  his  relaxing  brow  a  smile 
In  placid  sweetness  softly  broke. 

Without  delay  his  counsel  spoke  ;  68 

“  The  key  that  opes  persuasion  wise  70 

Conceal’d  in  mystic  darkness  lies ; 


154 


PINDAR. 


Since  gods  and  men  alike  approve, 

Oh  Pliffibus !  that  ingenuous  shame 
Should  hide  the  deeds  of  sacred  flame, 

And  all  be  secrecy  in  love.  74  75 

But  thee,  whom  falsehood  ne’er  can  reach, 
Some  motive  of  a  doubtful  kind 
Has  with  feign’d  ignorance  inclined 
To  utter  this  ambiguous  speech. 

For  whence,  oh  king  !  thy  fond  desire  80 

The  damsel’s  lineage  to  inquire  1 
Whose  eye  of  all  events  surveys 
The  fated  end,  the  various  ways ; 

Who  to  what  leaves  the  teeming  earth 
In  spring’s  prolific  hour  gives  birth,  85 

What  sands  are  moved  when  waves  tempestuous 
swell, 

Canst  number  with  omniscient  mind. 

And  every  future  period  find 
Which  time’s  revolving  course  shall  e’er  impel.  89 

But  if  with  thine  I  must  compare  90 

My  wisdom,  this  I  will  declare. 

Her  husband  thou  who  seek’st  this  vale 
Shalt  o’er  the  paths  of  ocean  sail ; 

And  to  the  verdant  plain  of  Jove 

Convey  the  object  of  thy  love.  95 

Thou  shalt  appoint  Gyrene  there 

The  ruler  of  a  city  fair, 

Collecting  all  the  island  train 

To  the  steep  hill  that  crowns  the  plain. 

86  Thus  Apollo  with  oracular  voice  declares  of  himself; 
(Herod.,  Clio,  xlvii. :) — 

Oi6a  6^  eyta  xpaixfiov  t’  apidnov,  Kai  perpa  daXaactjs. 

94  A  figurative  expression,  denoting  the  amenity  of  the  soil 
and  climate  of  Libya ;  or  so  called  on  account  of  the  worship 
paid  there  to  Jupiter  Ammon. 


NINTH  PYTHIAN  ODE. 


155 


Now  sacred  Libya's  empire  wide  100 

Possesses  thine  illustrious  bride, 

Who  her  fair  residence  shall  hold 
That  glitters  with  imperial  gold. 

Justly  to  her  that  fertile  field 

Will  its  unceasing  produce  yield,  105 

A  land  with  fruits  abundant  crown’d. 

Where  beasts  unnumber’d  graze  around.  103 

She  shall  produce  an  offspring  there. 

Whom  to  the  high-throned  Hours  and  Earth 
Illustrious  Mercury  shall  bear  ^  110 

From  the  dear  authors  of  his  birth. 

They  on  their  knees  the  babe  shall  place. 
Bidding  his  young  and  tender  lip 
Sweet  nectar  and  ambrosia  sip. 

And  with  immortal  honour  grace ;  115 

Making  the  rustic  shepherd  boy. 

Whom  mortals  Aristaeus  name, 

Skill’d  to  pursue  the  savage  game, 

His  friends’  delight  and  dearest  joy  ; 

Adored  with  almost  equal  love  120 

To  sacred  Phoebus  or  to  Jove.”  116 

Thus  having  said,  he  moved  his  breast 
In  wedlock  to  be  fully  bless’d. 

But  when  the  gods  to  action  speed. 

Short  is  the  road  and  swift  the  deed.  125 

That  very  day’s  revolving  sun 
Beheld  the  fated  purpose  done : 

Saw  them  on  Libya’s  golden  strand 
Join’d  in  the  hymeneal  band  ; 

Where  she  protects  that  beauteous  town  130 
Which  in  each  contest  gains  renown. 

Once  more  upon  the  Pythian  plain, 

Carneades,  thine  offspring  brave 
By  the  bright  wreath  which  fortune  gave. 

For  her  new  lustre  joys  to  gain. 


135 


156 


PlNDAlt. 


Glory  for  her  his  conquests  weave 
Who  shall  with  willing  mind  receive 
The  hero  from  the  Delphic  toil, 

In  his  loved  female>beaiiteous  soil.  132 

Great  virtues  ask  a  lengthen’d  song —  140 

But  to  adorn  a  high  emprise 
Briefly,  is  grateful  to  the  wise ; 

Since  its  due  limits  to  each  act  belong. 
Seven-portall’d  Thebes  great  lolaus  knew 
The  fitting  opportunity  pursue.  145 

Him,  when  the  proud  Eurystheus’  head 
His  vengeful  sword  had  severed. 

By  charioteer  Amphitryo’s  tomb 
Earth  hid  within  its  tranquil  breast, 

Whither  in  ages  past  had  come  150 

His  grandsire,  th’  earth-sown  warrior’s  guest ; 
Who  dwelt  where  milk-white  coursers’  feet 
Sounded  in  the  Cadmaean  street.  147 

Compress’d  by  his  and  Jove’s  embrace, 

With  the  same  pang  Alcmena  bore  155 

Of  sons  a  twin  heroic  race. 

Mute  and  unskill’d  in  sacred  lore 
Were  he  who  would  refuse  to  raise 
His  voice  in  great  Alcides’  praise  ; 

Forgetting  the  Dircaean  spring,  160 

That  nurtured  him  and  Iphicles,  to  sing. 

To  them  will  I  the  hymn  address 
Who  crown  my  efforts  with  success. 

Ne’er  let  the  vocal  Graces’  ray 

Cease  to  illuminate  my  lay.  165 

Already  has  the  victor’s  fame 

Oft  raised  this  glorious  city’s  name, 

Once  in  jEgina’s  day  of  fight. 

And  thrice  on  the  Megarean  height; 

Forbidding  o’er  the  victor’s  tale  170 

Silence  to  draw  her  dusky  veil.  163 


NINTH  PYTHIAN  ODE. 


157 


Then  let  the  friendly  townsmen  tell, 

Nor  e’en  the  candid  foe  conceal 
What  his  strong  arm  hath  wrought  so  well, 
Laborious  for  the  common  weal.  175 

The  words  of  ocean’s  hoary  sage 
Submissive  reverence  should  engage. 

“  Crown  e’en  an  enemy’s  fair  deed 
With  approbation’s  honest  meed.” 

Thee  too  at  Pallas’  staled  feasts  180 

Full  often  have  my  eyes  survey’d 
Triumphant  o’er  th’  assembled  guests, 

While  many  a  silent  gazing  maid 
Her  husband  or  her  offspring  thee 
Has  wish’d,  oh  Telesicrates,  to  be  !  176  185 

To  him  in  bright  Olympia’s  day, 

And  in  deep-bosom’d  Rhea’s  fray, 

And  heroes  on  his  native  field 
The  palm  in  every  contest  yield. 

From  me,  then,  who  the  debt  would  pay,  190 
Slaking  my  thirst  of  song,  they  claim 
Once  more  to  build  the  lyric  lay. 

And  hymn  thy  great  forefathers’  fame : 

As  to  Irasa’s  walls  the  suitors  came, 

To  seek  the  Libyan  nymph,  Antaeus’  fair-hair’d 
dame.  187  195 

Kinsmen  with  many  a  stranger  vied. 

Illustrious  throng !  to  call  her  bride — 

Eager  to  crop  of  form  sublime 
The  flow’ret  in  its  golden  prime : 

But  her  ambitious  sire,  whose  ear  200 

From  Argive  Danaus  joy’d  to  hear 
That  he  had  bound  in  wedlock’s  tie 
His  numerous  virgin  progeny 

195  Named  by  the  scholiast  Barce,  or  Alceis.  Irasa  was  a 
city  in  the  Tritonian  lake.  The  Antaeus  here  mentioned  is  not 
to  be  confounded  with  the  gigantic  antagonist  of  Hercules. 

FIND. - O 


158 


PINDAR. 


Ere  yet  the  sun’s  resplendent  light 
Had  travell’d  its  meridian  height,  205 

For  his  own  daughter  hoped  to  gain 
A  brighter  hymeneal  chain.  200 

For  in  the  stadium’s  farthest  end 
To  the  whole  choir  he  fix’d  a  place, 

And  bade  the  amorous  train  contend  210 

By  skill  in  the  pedestrian  race, 

Where  each  aspiring  hero  strove 
To  win  the  object  of  his  love. 

’Twas  thus  the  Libyan  sire  allied 

The  husband  to  his  destined  bride.  2^5 

Adorn’d  in  ail  her  bright  array 

Close  to  the  goal  he  bade  her  stay.  208 

Sweet  issue  of  their  manly  toil — 

“  Her  garments,”  thus  he  cried  aloud, 

“  Who  touches  first,  of  all  the  crowd,  220 
Shall  bear  away  the  lovely  spoil.” 

Alexidamus  then,  who  press’d 
Through  the  swift  course  before  the  rest, 
Seizing  the  noble  virgin’s  hand, 

Led  her  through  Libya’s  warlike  band.  225 
To  him  in  many  a  strife  before 
The  leafy  crown  they  gave,  on  victory?s  wing  to 
soar !  220 

227  The  metaphor  here  is  the  same  as  at  the  conclusion  of 
the  fourteenth  Olympic  ode,  and  at  v.  129  of  the  eighth,  and  the 
last  of  the  ninth  Pythian,  on  which  passage  the  scholiast  con¬ 
siders  the  expression  as  simply  a  periphrasis  for  victory.  It  ap¬ 
pears  to  be  a  favourite  image  with  Pindar  to  denote  the  exulta¬ 
tion  produced  by  victory  on  the  ardent  mind.  West,  however, 
in  his  note  on  the  fourteenth  Olympic  ode,  maintains  the  opin¬ 
ion,  founded  on  a  passage  in  Plutarch,  that  the  word  wings  is  to 
be  taken  in  its  literal  sense,  to  denote  some  emblematical  orna¬ 
ments  added  to  the  Olympic  wreaths,  &c.  Let  the  reader 
decide. 


THE  TENTH  PYTHIAN  ODE. 

TO  HIPPOCLEAS,  THE  THESSALIAN,  ON  HIS  VICTORY  IN 
THE  RACE  OF  TWO  STADIA,  GAINED  IN  THE  TWENTY- 
SECOND  PYTHIAD. 


ARGUMENT. 

The  poet,  tracing  the  victor’s  lineage  to  Ari&ioinachus,  the 
descendant  of  Hercules,  attributes  his  conquest  to  the  favour 
of  Apollo,  and  the  example  of  his  father  Phricias. — Expresses 
his  wishes  for  the  perpetuity  of  the  good  fortune  which  both 
father  and  son  have  acquired,  and  which  is  so  great  that  nc 
mortal  can  surpass  it ;  as  the  traveller  who  has  arrived  at  the 
Hyperborean  regions  can  proceed  no  farther. — This  leads 
him  to  a  digression  on  the  mythology  of  the  Hyperboreans. — 
Pindar  then  checks  himself,  and  concludes  with  renewed 
commendation  of  the  victor,  and  his  kinsmen  and  brothers. 
Thorax,  &c.,  whose  glorious  deeds  ennoble  their  native 
Thessaly, 


Bless’d  Lacedaemon !  Thessaly  the  bless’d  ! 

Whose  sceptred  kings  their  potent  race 
To  the  same  valiant  Hercules  can  trace, 

Why  should  my  ardent  spirit  raise 

Strains  of  unseasonable  praise  1  5 

But  me  prophetic  Pylho’s  wall, 

Aleva’s  sons  and  Pelinaeum  call ; 

W^ishing  Hippocleas  to  grace 
W’ith  strains  of  high  renown  by  tuneful  bards  ex¬ 
press’d.  10 


6  Aleva  was  an  ancient  king  of  Thessaly,  from  whom  the  in¬ 
habitants  were  named.  Pelinaeum  was  the  native  city  of  the 
victor,  it  is  doubted  by  commentators  whether  the  word 
' A.pidToyLa'xov  be  used  by  Pindar  as  an  epithet  to  Hercules  or  to 


160 


PINDAR. 


For  in  the  contests  as  he  tried  his  strength,  10 
Amphictyon’s  host  and  the  Parnassian  cave 
Pronounced  him  foremost  of  the  youthful  brave, 
Contending  in  the  double  stadium’s  length. 

Apollo  !  if  thine  aid  befriend, 

Sweet  is  man’s  onset  and  his  end  ;  15 

This  deed  the  youth  achieved  through  thee. 
And  thine  auspicious  deity. 

Twice  from  the  field,  by  kindred  fire, 

Urged  in  the  footsteps  of  his  sire, 

Th’  Olympic  chaplet  he  convey’d,  20 

In  martial  panoply  array’d.  23 

And  where,  upon  her  sheltering  plain. 

Beneath  the  rock  fair  Cirrha  lies, 

Swift-footed  Phricias  joy’d  to  gain 
The  Pythian  contest’s  glorious  prize.  25 
In  times  to  come  may  prosperous  fate 
Exalt,  as  now,  their  blissful  state  !  ^ 

Nor,  having  gain’d  an  ample  share 
Of  all  that  Greece  esteems  as  fair. 

May  envious  blasts  from  Heaven  assail  30 
The  victims  of  a  backward  gale.  31 

Still  may  the  god  with  liberal  heart 
Unshaken  happiness  impart ! 

Hymn’d  is  that  man  in  poets’  lay 
Who  with  strong  hands  or  rapid  feet  35 
Has  borne  the  noblest  palms  away ; 

In  whom  firm  strength  and  valour  meet. 

Still  living,  by  his  youthful  son 
Who  saw  the  Pythian  garlands  won. 

Not  yet  to  them  the  lot  is  given  40 

To  scale  the  brazen  soil  of  heaven  : 


denote  one  of  the  Heraclidae,  from  whom  Aleva  derived  his  ori¬ 
gin.  The  scholiast  asserts  the  former. 

41  This  epithet  of  Olympus  is  repeated  in  the  seventh  Isth¬ 
mian  :  (v.  72.)  It  will  probably  remind  the  reader  of  that  ter- 


TENTH  PYTHIAN  ODE. 


161 


But  the  remotest  point  that  lies 
Open  to  human  enterprise 
Their  course  has  gain’d,  well  skill’d  to  sweep 
The  wide  expanse  of  glory’s  deep  ;  45 

But  not  along  the  wondrous  way 
To  Hyperborean  crowds  can  ships  or  feet  convey. 

Of  old,  as  at  their  sacred  feast, 

Whole  hecatombs  appeased  the  god. 

The  steps  of  an  illustrious  guest,  50 

Perseus,  their  habitation  trod  ; 

Whose  festivals  and  songs  of  praise 
Apollo  with  delight  surveys  ; 

And  smiles  to  see  the  bestial  train 

In  wanton  pride  erect  and  vain.  56  55 

Yet  never  will  th’  impartial  muse 
To  dwell  with  minds  like  these  refuse  : 

Around  them  move  the  virgin  choirs. 

The  breathing  flutes  and  sounding  lyres  ; 

And  twining  with  their  festive  hair  60 

The  wreath  of  golden  laurel  fair. 

With  temperate  mirth  and  social  glee 
They  join  in  solemn  revelry. 

Nor  dire  disease,  nor  wasting  age. 

Against  their  sacred  lives  engage  :  65 

But  free  from  trouble  and  from  strife. 

Through  the  mild  tenour  of  their  life 

rible  prophetic  denunciation  of  the  Jewish  lawgiver  :  (Deut., 
xxviii.,  3:)  “  'Fhy  heaven  that  is  over  thy  head  shall  be  brass.” 

46  This  digression  to  the  Hyperborean  regions,  which  Pin¬ 
dar  here  seems  to  consider  as  the  western  boundary  of  the 
world,  and  to  the  story  of  Perseus,  who  came  suddenly  on  the 
pious  inhabitants  as  they  were  sacrificing  hecatombs  of  wild 
asses  to  Apollo,  is  greatly  censured  by  the  scholiast  as  an  un¬ 
reasonable  deviation  from  the  original  scope  and  design  of  the 
ode.  But  these  irregularities  are  so  characteristic  of  our  poet, 
that  whatever  place  or  persons  the  progress  of  his  story  leads 
him,  however  slightly,  to  mention,  we  look  as  a  matter  of 
course  for  any  mythological  record  connected  with  them. 
o2 


162 


PINDAR. 


Secure  they  dwell,  nor  fear  to  know 
Avenging  Nemesis  their  foe. 

Erst,  breathing  with  a  heart  of  flame, 
The  valiant  son  of  Danae  came ; 

Who  by  divine  Athena’s  hand, 

Led  to  the  bless’d  heroic  band. 

Slew  Gorgon,  and  her  dire  head  bore 
With  dragon  locks  all  cover’d  o’er ; 

And  thus,  with  stony  ruin  fraught. 
Death  to  the  islanders  he  brought.  75 

But  when  the  gods  their  power  display, 
How  strange  soe’er  the  mighty  deed. 
Firm  rev’rence  and  belief  to  pay, 

Nor  doubt  nor  wonder  shall  impede. 
Restrain  the  oar ;  and  from  the  prow 
Fix,  to  secure  against  the  shock 
Of  many  a  sea-imbosom’d  rock. 

Your  anchor  in  the  deep  below. 

For  now  th’  encomiastic  lay. 

Like  bee  that  flits  on  changeful  wing. 
To  fresher  glories  hastes  away.  84 

But  ardent  hope  inspires  my  breast, 
That  while  the  Ephyraeans  sing 
My  sweet  lays  by  Peneus’  spring, 
Hippocleas  above  the  rest. 

Mindful  of  each  triumphant  crown, 
Among  the  old,  the  virgin  train. 

And  fellow-combatants,  the  strain 
Shall  dignify  with  bright  renown. 

In  various  minds  far  different  objects  move 
The  cares  and  fond  solicitudes  of  love.  94 

But  he  whose  fortune  can  obtain 
The  object  of  his  strong  desire. 

Calm  and  contented  should  remain. 

Nor  to  uncertain  good  aspire ; 


•  'i 


TENTH  PYTHIAN  ODE.  163 

Since  veil’d  in  doubtful  gloom  appear 
The  issues  of  the  coming  year. 

I  trust  in  Thorax’  friendly  care,  105 

Who  wishing  my  kind  deeds  to  share. 

Has  yoked  for  me  the  muses’  car, 

By  its  four  coursers  whirl’d  afar ; 

Urging,  with  like  affection’d  soul. 

The  willing  poet  to  the  goal.  104  110 

As  gold  to  Lydian  stone  applied, 

Thus  shines  the  upright  mind  when  tried. 

Then  to  his  virtuous  brother’s  praise 
Let  us  the  joyful  tribute  raise ; 

Since  their  bright  deeds  Thessalia’s  state  115 
On  wings  of  fame  have  borne  elate  ; 

Enrich’d  by  whose  paternal  sway, 

Her  children  glory  to  obey.  112 


) 


THE  ELEVENTH  PYTHIAN  ODE. 

TO  THRASYDiEUS,  THE  THEBAN,  ON  HIS  VICTORY  IN  THE 
STADIC  COURSE,  GAINED  WHEN  A  BOY,  IN  THE  TWEN¬ 
TY-EIGHTH  PYTHIAD. 

« 

ARGUMENT. 

The  poet  begins  this  ode  with  an  invocation  to  the  deities  of  his 
country — Semele,  Ino,  and  Alcinena — entreating  their  pres¬ 
ence  when  the  pomp  of  triumph  is  to  be  brought  to  the  tem¬ 
ple  of  Ismenian  Apollo,  and  naming  the  field  of  conquest  the 
rich  plain  of  Pylades,  he  digresses  to  the  story  of  his  friend 
Orestes,  and  the  murder  of  Agamemnon  by  Clytemnestra. — 
Returns  to  his  subject,  commending  the  victor  and  his  father 
on  account  of  his  numerous  triumphs. — Declares  his  prefer¬ 
ence  of  the  moderate  but  secure  fortune  which  they  enjoy  to 
the  unstable  pomp  by  which  tyrants  are  surrounded. — Con¬ 
cludes  by  citing  the  examples  of  lolaus,  son  of  Iphiclus,  Cas¬ 
tor,  and  Pollux. 


Daughters  of  Cadmus !  Semele  the  fair. 

Companion  of  th’  Olympic  train. 

And  Ino,  now  Leucothea,  given  to  share 
The  couch  of  Nereids  in  the  main; 

Go  with  the  mother  of  Alcides  brave  5 

To  Melia’s  dark  and  sacred  cave. 

Where  lies  the  golden  tripod’s  store. 

To  which  unerring  Loxias  bore  • 

1  The  opening  of  this  ode  affords  another  proof  of  the  fond¬ 
ness  with  which  Pindar  alludes  to  the  story  of  the  daughters  of 
Cadmus  and  Harmonia ;  'Semele,  now  an  assessor  or  com¬ 
panion  of  the  gods,  and  Ino,  deified  as  Leucothea,  or  Matuta, 
goddess  of  the  morning,  whose  rites  were  only  approached  by 
freeborn  matrons.  (See  01.,  ii. ;  Pyth.,  iii.  and  xi.) 

6  Melia  was  an  ocean  nymph,  who  became  the  mother  of  Is- 
menus  and  Tenerus  by  Apollo. 


ELEVENTH  PYTHIAN  ODE. 


165 


Superior  love,  and  bade  the  hallow’d  fane, 

Seat  of  prophetic  truth,  Ismenus’  name  retain.  10 

Harnionia’s  children !  ye  whose  heroine  band. 
Assembled  by  the  god’s  command. 

At  close  of  day  he  bids  in  social  state 
Pytho  and  Themis  celebrate. 

With  earth’s  truth-speaking  centre — to  proclaim  15 
Seven-portaU’d  Thebes  and  Cirrha’s  game, 

Where  Thrasydeeus  by  the  third  won  crown 
Hath  his  paternal  hearth’s  renown 
Exalted  where  great  Pylades’  command 
(Spartan  Orestes’  friend)  ruled  o’er  the  fertile 
land.  24.  20 

Him,  when  his  slaughter’d  father  lay. 

By  Clytemnestra’s  hand  subdued, 

The  nurse  Arsinoe  stole  away 

From  the  dire  scene  of  fraud  and  blood ; 

What  time  with  Agamemnon’s  soul  25 

She,  whom  no  pity  could  control, 

Urging  the  sharp  and  glittering  blade, 

Dardanian  Priam’s  daughter  hurl’d 
Cassandra  to  th’  infernal  world,  31 

Where  flows  sad  Acheron  through  realms  of  shade. 

Did  her  to  the  unhallow’d  stroke 
Iphigenia’s  doom  provoke. 

Who  died,  far  from  her  native  land, 

A  victim  on  Euripus’  strand  1 

Or  lust  of  an  adulterous  bed,  35 

That  to  the  nightly  dalliance  led  ? 

17  One  by  his  father,  one  by  his  uncle,  one  by  himself,  Ores¬ 
tes  is  called  Spartan,  (v.  20,)  since,  althcfugh  a  native  of  Mycenae, 
he  was  made  king  of  Sparta.  I'he  following  digression,  rela¬ 
ting  his  story,  with  the  adultery  of  Clytemnestra,  &c..  is  alsoj^p- 
rehended  by  the  scholiast  as  irrelevant  to  the  subject  of  the  ocie. 

The  same  narration  is  made  by  the  shade  or  Agamemnon  to 
Ulysses  in.  the  infernal  regions  ;  (Od.,  xi.,  404-434.)  Compare 
the  tale  as  related  by  Sophocles :  (Electra,  94,  et  s^.) 


166 


PINDAR. 


A  crime  of  most  abhorrent  die 
In  her  whose  wedded  bliss  is  young ! 

The  violated  marriage  tie 

Is  told  by  every  foreign  tongue — 

Since  naught  to  hide  the  guilty  tale 
From  slanderous  townsmen  can  avail.  44 

Envy  is  wealth’s  perpetual  foe, 

’Gainst  which  the  humble  mutter  low. 

Ev’n  when  the  great  Alcides  came 
To  Sparta,  seat  of  ancient  fame, 

Bringing  destruction  on  the  prophet  maid  ; 

He  fell,  who  saw  the  wasting  fire 
For  Helen’s  baneful  charms  aspire, 

And  low  in  dust  Troy’s  splendid  fabrics  laid. 
Orestes  with  his  youthful  head 
To  hospitable  Strophius  fled, 

His  aged  friend,  who  dwelt  below 
Parnassus’  elevated  brow. 

At  length  with  valiant  arm  he  gave 

His  mother  and  ^Egisthus  to  the  grave.  57 

Now,  friends,  in  devious  track  I  stray 
From  the  direct  and  beaten  way  ; 

Slave  to  some  arbitrary  gale, 

That  guides  the  pliant  vessel’s  sail. 

Muse,  if  by  compact  or  for  gain 
A  mercenary  voice  thou  Taise, 
Exaggerate  in  varied  strain 

The  subject  of  thy  venal  praise. 

Let  Trasydaeus  now  inspire 
Thy  lay,  or  his  triumphant  sire, 

The  Pythian  victor,  they  whose  fame 
Shines  with  a  bright  and  glorious  flame.  69 

Late  conquerors  in  th’  Olympic  car, 

And  the  renown’d  equestrian  war. 

With  naked  limbs  in  Pytho’s  race, 

They  rushing  through  the  stadium’s  space, 


40 

45 

50 

55 

60 

65 


70 


ELEVEMTH  PYTHIAN  ODE. 


167 


The  Grecian  host  in  speed  o’ercame. 

Such  blessings  as  the  gods  impart 

Still  may  I  love  with  tranquil  heart,  76 

Seeking  in  life  an  easy  state — 

I  find  the  middle  ranks  endure 
In  lasting  happiness  secure, 

And  blame  th’  exalted  tyrant’s  fate.  81 

The  virtues  of  a  common  kind  80 

Engage  my  unambitious  mind. 

Since  loss  o’er  envy  still  impends. 

He  who  has  gain’d  the  summit  fair, 

Living  remote  from  anxious  care, 

Nor  to  injurious  wrong  descends,  85 

Reaches  black  death's  nu>st  wish’d- for  bound, 
Shedding,  to  bless  a  lovely  race. 

The  richest  of  possessions  round 
His  noble  deeds’  illustrious  grace ;  90 

Such  as  in  hymns  transmits  to  fame  90 

Triumphant  Iphiclides’  name. 

Thee,  kingly  Pollux,  and  great  Castor’s  might — 
Sons  of  the  gods !  who  one  day  dwell 
Within  Therapne’s  gloomy  cell, 

Another  on  Olympus’  towering  height.  95 

93  This  part  of  the  history  of  Castor  and  Pollux,  who  under* 
went  for  each  other  the  alternate  vicissitudes  of  life  and  death, 
Is  also  related  hy  Homer ;  (Od.,  xi.,  371,  seq.  ;)— 

“  By  turns  they  visit  this  ethereal  sky. 

And  live  alternate,  and  alternate  die.” — Pope, 

So  Virgil:  (Ain.,  vi.,  121  :)— 

“  Si  fratrem  Pollux  alterna  morte  redemit, 

Itque  reditque  viam  toties.” 

Therapne  was  a  town  of  Laconia,  where  Castor  and  Pollux 
were  born.  Heyne  conjectures,  and  I  think  with  great  prob¬ 
ability,  that  this  fable  of  the  Dioscuri  owed  its  origin  to  some 
confused  notion  of  the  daily  rising  and  setting  of  Luciferus  and 
Hesperus.  Pindar  again  relates  the  story  ;  (Nem.,  x.,  100,  et  seq. 
173,  seq.) 


THE  TWELFTH  PYTHIAN  ODE. 


TO  MIDAS  OF  ACRAGAS,  ON  HIS  VICTORIES  IN  THE 
MUSICAL  CONTEST,  GAINED  IN  THE  TWENTY-FOURTH 
AND  TWENTY-FIFTH  PYTHIAD. 

ARGUMENT. 

The  poet  in  this  beautiful  ode  first  invokes  the  city  of  Agrigen- 
tum,  personifying  her  under  the  character  of  a  goddess.— Pro¬ 
ceeds  to  describe  the  invention  of  the  flute,  which  he  attrib¬ 
utes  to  Minerva,  who  by  its  shrill  tones  imitated  the  cry  of  the 
Gorgon  slaughtered  by  Perseus. — He  then  expatiates  on  its 
various  other  uses,  in  exciting  the  combatants  to  the  field, 
&c.— Concludes  with  a  highly  poetical  reflection  on  the  mu¬ 
tability  of  human  fortune. 


Thee,  shining  on  the  well-built  mountain’s  head, 
Fairest  of  mortal  cities,  1  entreat, 

Proserpina’s  imperial  seat, 

By  Acragas’  sheep-feeding  banks  outspread. 

With  gods’  and  men’s  propitious  love,  5 

Accept  this  crown  from  Pytho’s  plain. 

Won  by  illustrious  Midas’  strain. 

And  him  who  conquers  Greece  approve, 

In  that  high  art  Athena  found  of  old. 

Which  mimick’d  in  their  howl  the  Gorgon  sisters 
bold.  14  10 

10  The  name  Athena,  f)  the  weaver,  in  its  literal 

sense,  may  probably  be  deduced  from  filwm  texuit.  The 
origin  of  the  Gorgonian  strain  is  here  finely  related.  The  triple 
monster  surrounded  by  its  dragon  locks  is  described  by  .^schy- 
lus  :  (P.  V.  796,  seq.  :)— 

TTfiXay  6'  a5£\<pai  roivSe  rpeis  KarairTtpoi, 
SpaKOVTOftaXkoi  Topyoveg,  PpoToarvyeis 

The  names  of  the  three  Gorgon  sisters  were  Stheno,  Euryale, 
Medusa  :  and  each  head  is  afterward  described  (v.  36,  &c.)  as 


TWELFTH  PYTHIAN  ODE.  169 

As  from  the  triple  virgin’s  head, 

By  dragon  locks  encompass’d  round, 

She  heard  the  voice,  ere  life  had  fled. 

Elaborate  a  mournful  sound  ; 

When  Perseus’  valiant  arm  had  slain  15 

The  third  part  of  the  sister  train; 

And  whelm’d  beneath  her  people’s  grave, 
Seriphus  bosom’d  in  the  wave; 

Obscuring,  by  the  foul  disgrace, 

Phorcys’  imperishable  race  ;  ^  20 

When  he  to  Polydectes  brought 
The  festal  gift  with  ruin  fraught  ; 

Who  long  his  mother  Danae  held 
Captive  in  wedlock’s  chain  compell’d. 

Bearing  the  head  that  show’d  Medusa’s  beauteous 
face.  29  25 

He  who  is  call’d  in  legends  old 
The  offspring  of  self-fallen  gold. 

But  when  from  each  laborious  deed 
Her  much-loved  hero  she  had  freed, 

The  virgin  goddess  made  to  sigh  30 

The  flute’s  sonorous  melody  ; 

That  soon  as  left  the  mournful  note 
Eury ale's  rapacious  throat. 

Her  instrument’s  shrill  sounds  might  flow 
In  tones  of  imitative  wo.  35 

But  when  she  deign’d  the  heavenly  art 
For  mortal  pleasure  to  impart, 

She  bade  the  high  and  glorious  strain 
The  name  of  many  heads  retain, 

Memorial  of  that  stubborn  fight  40 

Which  roused  the  adverse  people’s  might.  42 

Such  as  with  dulcet  voice  proceeds 
From  slender  brass  and  vocal  reeds  ; 

uttering  its  separate  lamentation,  which  was  imitated  in  a  sepa¬ 
rate  strain. 

PIND. — P 


170 


PINDAR. 


Which  near  the  Graces’  temple  spring, 

Where  festal  choirs  exult  and  sing,  45 

To  witness  in  Cephisus’  grove 

The  bands  in  measured  cadence  move. 

What  bliss  soe’er  to  man  is  known, 

Laborious  efforts  gain  alone. 

Such  as  the  god  will  crown  to-day,  60 

Or  brighten  with  to-morrow’s  ray. 

Though  fix’d  th’  irrevocable  doom, 

Yet  soon  or  late  the  time  shall  come 
That  either  cheats  th’  expecting  mind, 

Or  leaves  its  wishes  far  behind.  55 

47  The  river  Cephisus  empties  itself  into  the  lake  Copais, 
here  designated  by  Kacjncrts,  a  nymph  sprung  from  that  river. 

63  This  moral  conclusion  arises  naturally  from  the  subject, 
as  we  are  informed  by  the  scholiast  that  Midas  gained  the  vic¬ 
tory  against  his  expectations,  since  his  pipe  became  broken  in 
the  contest. 


THE  NEMEAN  ODES. 


OF  THE  NEMEAN  GAMES. 


These  games  were  probably  so  called  from  Nemea,  a  town 
of  Argolis,  with  a  wood  in  which  Hercules  when  a  youth  is  fa¬ 
bled  to  have  killed  a  lion  which  infested  that  region ;  and  in 
commemoration  of  this  exploit  the  games  were  instituted,  about 
the  same  time  with  the  Olympic.  They  were  among  the  most 
celebrated  in  Greece,  and  are  said  to  have  been  originally  held 
by  the  Argives,  in  memory  of  Opheltes,  or  Archemorus,  son  of 
Lycurgus,  and  king  of  Nemea,  whose  death  was  occasioned  by 
the  bite  of  a  serpent,  and  to  have  been  renewed  by  Hercules. 

According  to  Pausanias,  (in  Phocaicis,)  Adrastus  was  the 
author,  and  his  descendants,  the  Epigoni,  were  the  restorers  of 
these  games,  which  were  held  every  third  year,  on  the  twelfth 
day  of  the  month  called  by  the  Macedonians  Ilavc/ioj,  by  the 
Athenians  Bo^jfpopiwv,  answering  to  our  Augpist.  The  Argives, 
Corinthians,  and  Cleona5ans  were  alternate  presidents  of  these 
games,  in  which  were  exhibited  chariot,  horse,  and  foot  races, 
boxing,  wrestling,  and  all  the  usual  exercises,  whether  gymnastic 
or  equestrian.  The  reward  at  first  bestowed  on  the  conqueror 
was  a  crown  of  olive,  afterward  changed  for  one  of  parsley, 
which  being  a  funereal  plant,  served  to  commemorate  the  death 
of  Archemorus,  in  whose  honour  an  oration  was  usually  pro¬ 
nounced,  and  the  distributors  of  prizes  at  these  games  were  clad 
in  mourning  garments.  A  magnificent  account  of  their  celebra¬ 
tion  is  contained  in  the  opening  of  the  sixth  book  of  the  Thebais 
of  Statius. 


THE  FIRST  NEMEAN  ODE. 


TO  CHROMIUS,  THE  ^TN^AN,  ON  HIS  VICTORY  IN  THE 

CHARIOT  RACE.* 

ARGUMENT. 

The  poet  begins  this  ode  with  an  address  to  Ortygia,  an  island 
in  the  bay  of  Syracuse,  which  anciently  formed  one  of  the 
four  quarters  of  that  city  :  with  this  he  connects  the  praises 
of  the  victor,  and  the  celebration  of  his  virtues,  particularly 
his  hospitality. — He  then  digresses  to  the  story  of  Hercules, 
from  his  birth  to  his  apotheosis  and  marriage  with  Hebe,  with 
which  he  concludes  the  ode. 


From  noble  Syracuse,  Ortygia,  sprung,  • 

Where  breathes  again  Alpheus’  long-lost  head, 

Sister  of  Delos,  Dian’s  natal  bed. 

From  thee  the  sweet-toned  hymn  is  sung. 

To  praise  the  steeds  whose  feet  like  tempests  move. 
By  favour  of  jEtnaean  Jove.  6 

Me  Chromius’  car  excites  on  Nemea’s  plain 
With  his  proud  deeds  to  join  th’  encomiastic  strain. 

*  Chromius,  whose  victory  is  here  celebrated,  was  the  son 
of  Agesidamus,  and  married  a  sister  of  Gelon.  Virgil  appears 
to  have  imitated  this  passage,  where  he  describes  the  situation 
of  Ortygia  and  the  reappearance  of  Alpheus  after  his  subter¬ 
ranean  wanderings  at  the  mouth  of  the  fountain  Arethusa, 
hence  called  by  Pindar  a/iTrveu/xa  atfivov  A\<peov,  which  Cowley 
translates  inaccurately,  the  first  breathing  place. 

“  Sicanio  praetenta  sinu  jacet  insula  contra 
Plemmyrium  undosum ;  nomen  dixere  priores 
'  Ortygiam.  Alpheum  fama  est  hue  Elidis  amnem 
Occultas  egisse  vias  subter  mare ;  qui  nunc 
Ore,  Arethusa,. tuo  Siculis  confunditur  undis.” 

./En.,  iii.,  692. 

Ortygia  is  called  the  sister  of  Delos,  as  having  originally  been 
known  by  the  same  appellation, 
p  2 


174 


PINDAR. 


From  the  great  gods  to  man  arise 
The  springs  of  valorous  enterprise.  10 

Success  affords  the  brightest  meed 
Of  every  great  and  glorious  deed : 

Such  contests  as  on  lyric  string 
The  mindful  muse  delights  to  sing. 

Notv  to  the  isle  some  tribute  raise,  15 

Which  Jove,  Olympus’  sovereign  lord, 

Pledged  with  a  nod  his  sacred  word 
(When  to  Persephone’s  command 
Was  given  Sicilia’s  fertile  land) 

To  gild  with  wealthy  cities’  towering  praise.  20 

To  her,  besides,  Saturnius  gave  21 

A  people  arm’d,  equestrian,  brave ; 

And  oft  encircled  with  th’  Olympic  crown. 

The  olive  wreath  that  victory  weaves 
Resplendent  with  its  golden  leaves,  25 

Full  many  a  time  I’ve  aim’d,  nor  e’er  at  random 
thrown. 

Now  at  the  hospitable  gate 
Chanting  the  hero’s  deeds  I  wait, 

WTiere  for  his  poet  spread,  the  feast 
Adorns  the  hall  that  never  wants  a  guest.  34  30 

As  water  drowns  th’  opposing  dame, 

So  shall  thy  virtues’  constant  ray 
Chase  the  calumnious  mists  away 
That  vainly  would  obscure  thy  fame. 

Mankind  by  various  arts  ascend  35 

The  paths  to  eminence  that  tend — 

In  action,  manly  strength  is  shown ; 

In  counsel,  the  redecting  mind ; 

To  whose  sagacious  foresight  known, 

Lies  the  dark  future  uncondned.  40 

31  This  passage  is  rather  obscure,  although  it  appears  to  me 
that  the  general  sense  of  it  can  be  only  that  which  is  given  in  the 
translation.  A.tXoyxe,  placed  absolutely,  must  d«3ote  the  natural 
property  which  water  possesses  of  extinguishing  fire. 


FIRST  NEMEAN  ODE. 


175 


Son  of  Agesidamus !  thee 
To  crown  both  might  and  skill  agree. 

A  hidden  and  superfluous  store 
Of  wealth  I  wish  not  to  possess ; 

But  while  they  sing  my  praises  o’er,  45 

With  ready  hand  my  friends  to  bless ;  47 

Since  men  to  arduous  deeds  who  soar  - 
Hope  the  same  glory  and  success. 

When  valour’s  lofty  arts  are  sung, 

Alcides  prompts  my  willing  tongue,  50 

Rehearsing  ancient  fame. 

The  hero  whom  in  radiance  bright 
Maternal  throes  sent  forth  to  light. 

With  his  twin  brother  came. 

Him  Juno  on  her  golden  throne  survey’d,  55 

In  swaddling  clothes  of  saffron  hue  array’d.  58 

Then  quickly  raging  at  the  view. 

The  gods’  bright  queen  her  dragons  sent ; 
And  they,  the  open  portals  through. 

Deep  in  the  spacious  chamber  went ;  60 

Eager  the  infants  to  compress 
Within  their  rapid  jaws’  caress. 

But  he,  with  head  in  proud  array 
Stretch’d  forth,  began  the  deadly  fray ; 

Daring  the  double  snake  to  clasp  65 

In  his  inevitable  grasp ; 

And  soon  compress’d,  the  spirit  flies 
Their  members  of  gigantic  size. 

Struck  with  intolerable  dread. 

The  women  trembled  round  Alcmena’s  bed:  70 

While  she  with  naked  foot  arose. 

Prompt  to  repel  the  rage  of  her  tremendous  foes.  76 

The  chiefs  of  the  Cadmaean  band 
In  brazen  arms  tumultuous  went,  » 

And  bold  Amphitryon  in  his  hand 
Quick  vibrating  the  unsheath’d  brand, 


75 


176 


PINDAR. 


Thither  his  sorrowing  footsteps  bent. 

Since  with  an  equal  weight  on  all 
Calamities  domestic  fall, 

How  soon  soe’er  from  foreign  grief  80 

The  heart  uninjured  finds  relief.  84 

By  admiration’s  power  subdued. 

Though  mingled  with  concern,  he  stood  ; 

"When  his  son’s  fearless  pride  he  saw. 
Exceeding  moderation’s  law.  85 

But  as  declared  the  immortal  train. 

The  messenger’s  report  was  vain. 

Then,  straight  he  call’d  Tiresias  near, 

Jove’s  truest,  most  illustrious  seer ; 

Who  to  the  chief  of  all  the  host  90 

Show’d  by  what  adverse  fortunes  cross’d, 

How  many  ravening  monsters  slain 
By  land  or  on  the  trackless  main  ; 

And  him  that  with  unhallow’d  pride 

Should  turn  from  virtue’s  path  aside,  95 

Alcides  by  a  hateful  doom, 

He  said,  should  hurry  to  the  tomb.  99 

And  when  the  gods  on  Phlegra’s  plain 
Wage  combat  with  the  giant  train. 

These  monsters  of  terrestrial  birth  100 

W’ould  soil  their  splendid  locks  with  earth  ; 
While  he,  his  mighty  labours  past, 

Quiet  and  peace  should  gain  at  last ; 

Enjoying  in  the  mansions  bless’d 
A  long  eternity  of  rest ;  105 

Receiving  to  his  godlike  side 
Hebe,  his  ever-blooming  bride ; 

And  seated  near  Saturnian  Jove, 

The  nuptials  o’er,  his  dome  approve.  112 

94  Antaeusr  or  Busiris,  who  for  their  arrogance  and  violent 
disposition  were  both  punished  with  death  by  Hercules. 


THE  SECOND  NEMEAN  ODE. 


TO  TIMODEMUS,  THE  ATHENIAN,  ON  HIS  VICTORY  IN  THE 

PANCRATIUM. 


.  ARGUMENT. 

The  poet  declares  this  to  be  the  first  victory  which  Timodemus 
has  obtained,  considering  it  as  a  presage  of  future  success 
in  the  Pythian  and  Isthmian  games.  This  is  the  more  prob¬ 
able,  as  his  ancestors  have  rendered  the  family  illustrious  by 
their  numerous  victories  gained  in  many  preceding  contests, 
several  of  which  he  enumerates. — Concludes  with  an  exhor¬ 
tation  to  the  citizens  to  celebrate  with  hymns  the  glorious 
return  of  Timodemus  to  his  country. 


As  bards  of  the  Homeric  train 
From  Jove  preluding,  weave  the  strain. 

So  has  this  hero  the  foundation  laid 
Of  conquests  in  the  sacred  games. 

And  now  his  earliest  chaplet  claims  5 

Where  Nemea’s  grove  expands  her  hallow’d  shade. 

1  The  scholiast,  in  commenting  on  the  opening  lines  of  this 
ode,  gives  a  variety  of  conjectures  on  the  origin  of  the  phrase 
Im-ktuv  uSas,  and  quotes  a  fragment  of  Callimachus,  (cxxxviii. 
Bentl.,)  whence  some  consider  l)a\pu>Sovs  and  pan6u>Sovs  as  synon¬ 
ymous.  The  author  of  the  Etymologicum  Magnum  says  that 
'<a6ri  was  anciently  used  as  a  generic  term  for  a  poem  ;  and  in 
all  probability  nothing  more  is  meant  by  a  rhapsodist  than  a  com¬ 
poser  of  verses.  The  scholiast  quotes  Hippostratus  as  his 
authority  for  asserting  that  Cinaethus  the  Syracusan  was  the 
first  who  rhapsodised  or  wove  together  the  scattered  portions  of 
Homer’s  divine  poems.  The  same  expression  occurs  in  Isth.  ii., 
66,  on  which  passage  the  classical  reader  will  do  well  to  consult 
Heyne’s  elaborate  comment  (in  vv.  lect.)  Sudorius’s  paraphrase 
is  opere  ewpolito. 


178 


PINDAR. 


Still  oft  as  onward  age  proceeds, 

And  in  the  track  paternal  leads, 

Adorning  spacious  Athens  with  renown, 

Triumphant  in  the  Isthmian  fray,  10 

Timonous’  son  shall  bear  away 
Her  brightest  wreath,  and  oft  the  Pythian  crown.  16 

As  where  the  mountain  Pleiads  burn, 

Not  far  they  see  Orion  turn. 

How  potent,  Salamis,  thy  might  15 

To  nourish  heroes  for  the  fight ! 

Hector  perceived,  in  Troy’s  sad  hour, 

Thy  son,  intrepid  Ajax’  power ; 

And  the  sustain’d  pancratium’s  praise 

Shall  thee,  oh  Timodemus,  raise  I  24  20 

Acharnae’s  glorious  tribe  of  old 
Have  flourish’d  with  their  heroes  bold ; 

And  foremost  in  each  solemn  game 
The  Timodemidae  proclaim. 

They  near  Parnassus’  height  obtain’d,  25 

Four  times  the  victor’s  meed  have  borne. 

And  from  Corinthian  judges  gain’d 
In  glades  where  valiant  Pelops  reign’d, 

Eight  several  wreaths  their  brows  adorn. 

13  The  scholiast  has  a  very  long  note  on  this  passage,  relating 
the  mythological  story  of  the  Pleiades,  whom  Pindar  designates 
under  the  epithet  opetav,  as  being  the  daughters  of  Atlas,  who 
was  metamorphosed  into  the  famous  African  mountain.  It  .ap¬ 
pears  that  Orion,  being  violently  enamoured  of  Pleione,  who  is 
sometimes  understood  as  denoting  the  whole  cluster  of  the 
Pleiades,  and  having  pursued  her  for  a  considerable  time,  Jupiter 
recorded  their  history  by  converting  them  into  neighbouring 
constellations ;  the  former  lying  to  the  northwest,  and  the  latter 
to  the  southeast  of  Taurus.  The  scholiast  further  informs  us, 
that  Crates  read  Bepciav  instead  of  opetav,  as  the  rising  of  the 
Pleiades  was  to  Greece  the  indication  of  approaching  harvest : 
in  like  manner  the  Nemean  crown  is  the  precursor  of  Isthmian 
and  Pythian  victories,  to  be  achieved  herealter  by  Aristoclides. 


SECOND  NEMEAN  ODE. 


179 


Seven  chaplets  in  the  Nemean  field —  30 

But  to  recount  each  various  meed 
Which  Jove’s  Olympic  contests  yield, 

The  power  of  numbers  would  exceed.  - 
Him,  citizens,  in  revels  sing, 

As  Timodemus  home  you  bring  35 

With  glorious  pomp,  and  let  your  voice 
In  strain,  as  honey  sVeet,  rejoice !  40 


JO  ■ 


THE  THIRD  NEMEAN  ODE. 


TO  AR1ST0CLIDE8  OF  iEGINA,  VICTOR  IN  THE  PANCRATIUM. 


ARGUMENT. 

This  ode  opens  with'  a  beautiful  address  to  the  muse,  whom 
the  poet  invites  to  pass  at  ^gina,  which  was  a  Doric  colony, 
the  sacred  month  in  which  the  Nemean  festival  is  held. — 
This  leads  to  the  praises  of  the  island  JEgina,  which  the 
victor,  son  of  Aristophanes,  has  exalted  by  his  triumphs,  as 
much  as  if  he  had  sailed  to  the  Pillars  of  Hercules,  and  thus 
gained  the  extreme  point  attainable  by  human  exertion.— The 
poet  then  checks  himself,  and  enters  on  a  theme  more  closely 
connected  with  his  subject,  the  panegyric  of  the  native  heroes 
of  .^gina,  Peleus,  Telamon,  Achilles. — He  then  returns  to 
the  victor,  declaring  him  to  have  fulfilled  the  various  duties 
of  boyhood,  manhood,  and  more  advanced  age. — Concludes 
with  bidding  adieu  to  his  friend,  whom  he  pronounces  worthy 
of  the  meed  which  the  poet  sends  him,  on  account  of  his 
triumphs  at  Nemea,  Epiaaurus,  and  Megara. 


Oh  sacred  muse ! — on  thee  I  call, 

Mother  of^our  poetic  band, 

Come  to  iEgina’s  Doric  strand, 

So  throng’d  at  Nemea’s  festival; 

For  near  Asopus’  hallow’d  wave  6 

The  youths  who  frame  their  choral  lay, 

And  sweet-toned  minstrelsy  display, 

Thy  voice  with  eager  fondness  crave. 

Each  deed  a  different  object  claims — 

While  the  proud  victor  in  the  games  10 

To  the  sweet  strain  his  wishes  bends, 

That  still  his  virtues  and  his  wreath  attends.  13 

Then  grant  this  vocal  boon  to  me 
In  unrestrain’d  satiety. 


THIRD  NEMEAN  ODE. 


181 


Th’  accepted  hymn,  oh  child  of  Jove,  '  15 

Who  dwells  enthroned  in  clouds  above, 

Begin,  for  I  to  chant  his  praise 
Their  voice  and  social  lyre  will  raise. 

The  fruit  of  my 'delightful  toil 

Shall  crown  the  glory  of  the  soil.  20 

Where  dwelt  the  Myrmidons  of  yore. 

Whose  ancient  and  illustrious  race 
Arisloclides  with  disgrace 
Of  tarnish’d  fame  ne’er  cover’d  o’er  ; 

Subdued  in  the  pancratium’s  fight,  25 

Where  heroes  strive  with  valiant  might.  27 

He  who  on  Nemea’s  fertile  plain 
The  palm  of  conquest  wins,  has  found 
An  antidote  to  labouring  pain, 

A  healing  balm  for  every  wound.  30 

With  his  sweet  form’vS  unequall’d  grace 
The  valour  of  his  arm  agrees, 

And  onward  bears  in  glory’s  race 
The  son  of  Aristophanes. 

No  farther  o’er  the  trackless  main  35 

An  easy  passage  hope  to  gain 

Than  where  Alcides’  pillars  stand.  37 

Placed  by  the  hero  god,  to  stay 
The  wandering  seaman  on  his  way. 

And  witness  the  proud  naval  band  40 

What  time  on  the  Herculean  main 
The  mighty  monsters  he  had  slain. 

Impell’d  by  his  adventurous  mind 
The  springs  of  marshy  lakes  to  find, 

Proceeding  far  as  he  could  roam,  45 

He  traced  the  realm  and  voyage  home. 

But  to  what  distant  headland,  say, 

Waft’st  thou,  oh  mind,  my  sail  away  1 

To  iEacus  I  charge  thee  bear 

And  to  his  race  the  chaplet  fair  ;  50 

FIND. — Q 


182 


PINDAR. 


For  Justice  adds  her  flower  to  raise 
A  tribute  to  the  good  man’s  praise.  50 


Unjust  the  love  that  only  views 
With  pleasure  names  of  foYeign  lore — 
Wouldst  thou  a  worthy  hero  choose 
To  raise  and  ornament  thy  muse, 
Domestic  chronicles  explore. 

His  royal  virtues  thus  prolong 
KingPeleus’  fame  in  ancient  song; 

Who  his  hewn  spear  exulting  shook, 

And  all  alone  lolcos  took ; 

Then  with  aspiring  labour  strove 
To  win  the  seaborn  Thetis’  love  ; 

While  Telamon’s  far-potent  might 
With  lolas  o’erthrew  Laomedon  in  fight.  63 


55 


60 


65 


Him  to  the  Amazonian  band. 

Whose  bow  of  brass  twang’d  in  their  hand, 

He  follow’d — nor  subduing  fear 
Quench’d  his  impetuous  mind’s  career ; 

For  true  nobility  of  soul  70 

Prevails  beyond  all  weak  control. 

The  man  that  darkling  gropes  his  way. 

But  for  his  borrow’d  wisdom  blind, 

With  foot  uncertain  where  to  stray, 

And  hopes  that  various  objects  sway,  75 

Grasps  all  alike  with  feeble  niind.  74 

Meanwhile  in  Philyra’s  abode 
Achilles  of  the  golden  hair 
In  sports  of  active  childhood  show’d 
The  ripen’d  hero’s  manly  care ;  80 

Shaking  his  iron-headed  dart 
In  hands  that  play’d  the  warrior’s  part. 

He  combated  with  lions  wild. 

And  swift  as  storms  destruction  wrought. 

The  boars  he  slew  when  scarce  were  fled  85 
Six  winters  o’er  his  youthful  head, 


THIRD  NEMEAN  ODE. 


183 


And  to  Centaurus,  Saturn’s  child, 

Their  palpitating  bodies  brought. 

Him  ever  wonder’d  to  behold 

Diana  and  Minerva  bold,  90 

Without  or  dogs  or  nets’  deceit, 

O’ercome  the  stags  w’ith  rapid  feet.  89 

I  find  it  thus  in  legends  old : 

Wise  Chiron  in  his  stony  cave 
Long  since  to  Jason  nurture  gave; 

And  taught  Asclepias  there  to  gain 
The  manual  art  that  softens  pain ;  * 

Then  bound  in  matrimonial  tie 
Nereus’  fair-handed  progeny ; 

Storing  her  noble  offspring’s  mind 
With  every  excellence  combined.  100 

That  soon  as  to  the  Trojan  coast 
Him  winds  and  urging  waters  bore, 

He  might  sustain  the  battle  roar 
Of  Lycia’s  and  of  Phrygia’s  host.  105 

Mingled  with  .^Ethiopia’s  band. 

On  high  the  martial  spear  who  wield, 
Combining  mind  with  active  hand ; 

That  ne’er  returning  from  the  field 
Should  Helenus’  brave  kinsman  roam,  110 

Memnon  their  liege,  and  trace  his  journey  home.  Ill 

Jove,  from  this  source  the  glories  shine 
Of  iEacus’  illustrious  line,  ( 

Since  from  thy  sacred  blood  they  spring; 

While  thy  great  influence  rules  the  game,  115 
Which  native  youths  with  loud  acclaim, 

And  hymns  of  joy  tumultuous  sing. 

Shouts  which  the  victor’s  triumphs  tell 
Become  Aristoclides  well ; 

110  Tithonus,  father  of  Memnon,  and  Priam,  father  of  Hel¬ 
enas  were  brothers. 


95 


100 


184 


PINDAR. 


Whose  noble  deeds  this  island  raise  120 

To  heights  of  glory  and  of  praise  ; 

Gracing  with  Phosbus’  Pythian  strain 
Thearion’s  venerable  fane. 

The  issue  of  the  contest  tells 

In  what  high  efforts  each  excels.  125 

When  with  the  stripling  band  a  boy, 

A  man  with  men  of  riper  age, 

He  made  triumphant  aims  employ 
Each  period  of  life’s  mortal  stage  j 
And 'lengthen’d  time  with  wisdom  fraught  130 
Prudence,  the  fourth  best  virtue,  taught ;  130 

That  can  success  on  each  design  bestow. 

Then  hail,  my  enterprising  friend ; 

To  thee  this  beverage  sweet  I  send, 

W*here  the  white  milk  and  mingled  honey  flow.  135 
Thus  with  the  dew  of  song  aspire 
Soft  breathings  of  th’  iEolian  lyre. 

Though  tardy  be  the  lay.  138 

Swiftest  of  birds,  the  eagle  wends 

Her  flight,  and  with  sharp  talon  rends  140 

On  high  th’  ensanguined  prey ; 

While  daws,  below,  a  chattering  brood, 
Inglorious  crop  their  earthly  food. 

For  thee,  if  high- throned  Clio  raise 
In  thy  victorious  spirit’s  praise  145 

-The  hymn,  from  Nemea  shines  the  light, 

From  Megara  and  Epidaurus  bright.  148 


THE  FOURTH  NEMEAN  ODE. 


TO  TIMASARCHUS  OF  .SGINA,  VICTOR  IN  THE  PALiESTRA. 

ARGUMENT. 

In  this  ode  the  sweetness  and  soothing  effects  of  encomiastic 
poetry  are  beautifully  described. — It  is  dedicated  by  the  poet 
to  the  praise  of  the  victor,  his  native  island,  and  to  the  mem¬ 
ory  of  his  father,  Timocritus. — Then  follows  a  digression  to 
the  heroes  of  Mglna. — Telamon,  Alcyoneus,  and  especially 
Hercules. — Here  he  recalls  hts  wandering  muse,  from  fear  of 
being  reprehended  by  envious  tongues,  and  indulges  himself 
in  anticipations  of  future  excellence  which  shall  be  matured 
by  time. — Nevertheless  he  returns  to  his  digression,  and  de¬ 
scribes  the  extent  of  dominion  possessed  by  other  heroes  of 
iEgina — Teucer,  Ajax,  Achilles,  Neoptolemus,  and  Peleus. — 
Recalls  a  second  time  his  digressing  strain,  which  he  ex¬ 
presses  metaphorically  by  bringing  back  his  vessel  from  the 
darkness  of  Gades  to  the  continent  of  Europe;  since  to  relate 
the  whole  story  of  the  JSacidse  were  a  fruitless  endeavour. — 
He  therefore  enters  on  the  praises  of  the  tribe  of  Theandrid®, 
to  which  the  victor  belonged ;  of  his  maternal  uncle  Callicles ; 
his  grandfather  Euphanes ;  and  his  alipta,  or  preceptor,  Me- 
lesias,  with  whom  he  concludes  the  ode. 


Hilarity,  thou  sovereign  balm 
And  remedy  of  labours  o’er, 

Whose  pain  by  arts  untried  before 
The  muses’  vocal  daughters  calm — 

What  time  they  wake  the  lyric  string,  5 

Not  such  delight  the  tepid  wave 
Can  to  the  soften’d  members  bring. 

As  praise,  the  meed  of  efforts  have. 

Which  poets  to  the  harp  symphonious  sing— 

Beyond  events  of  transient  worth  10 

Long  their  recorded  acts  shall  live — 

Drawn  from  the  mind’s  deep  treasures  forth. 
Such  as  the  favouring  Graces  give.  13 
Q2 


186 


PINDAR. 


Oh !  may  it  be  my  happy  fate 

To  Nemea  and  Saturnian  Jove  15 

Where  wrestling  Timasarchus  strove, 

The  prelude  hymn  to  consecrate. 

May  iEacus’  well-guarded  seat 
With  candid  mind  this  tribute  greet, 

Where  Justice  rears  her  sheltering  arm  20 
Of  power  to  save  each  guest  from  harm. 

Were  still  Timocritus  thy  sire 
Warm’d  by  the  genial  solar  ray, 

Intent  upon  the  varied  lyre 

He  oft  had^framed  the  victor’s  lay,  25 

That  should  his  numerous  wreaths  proclaim 
Won  in  the  Cleonaean  game, 

In  Athens,  rich  with  fair  renown. 

And  the  seven-portall’d  Theban  town.  31 

When  near  Amphitryo’s  splendid  tomb  30 
For  him  with  no  unwilling  hand 
Their  chaplets  the  Cadmaean  band 
Gave  for  ^gina’s  sake  to  bloom  ; 

As  to  his  kindred  city’s  walls 

With  hasty  steps  the  hero  went,  35 

Seeking  the  bless’d  Herculean  halls. 

On  amicable  purpose  bent.  39 

With  him  to  aid,  in  days  of  yore 
Troy  the  bold  Telamon  o’erthrew. 

Invaded  Merops’  Goan  shore,  40 

And  the  stupendous  warrior  slew 
Alcyoneus — but  first  he  broke 
With  a  huge  stone’s  vindictive  stroke 
Twelve  chariots  by  four  coursers  whirl’d. 

And  heroes  to  destruction  hurl’d  45 

Who  tanked  the  steed  and  urged  the  car 
Of  twice  that  number  to  the  war. 

Unskill’d  in  fight  must  he  appear 
To  whom  the  moral  is  not  clear ; 


FOURTH  NEMEAN  ODE. 


187 


Since  he  that  can  in  aught  prevail 
Must  in  his  turn  expect  to  fail.  52 

But  the  strict  law  that  rules  my  song 
And  hours  which  urge  their  course  along, 
This  thought  prohibit,  and  restrain 
Within  just  bounds  the  wandering  strain. 
Though  fond  desire  my  heart  impel 
Such  tales  at  the  new  moon  to  tell ; 

Thee  though  the  deep  sea  wave  convey 
Adventurous  on  thy  middle  way ; 

Yet,  mind,  resist  the  snare  ; 

Then  far  superior  shall  we  rise 
To  all  our  slandering  enemies. 

And  walk  in  splendour  fair; 

While  they  of  envious  eye  and  soul 
On  earth  their  empty  purpose  roll.  66 

To  me  what  energetic  power 
Fate  gave  me  in  my  natal  hour. 

Full  well  I  know  advancing  time 
Shall  ripen  to  its  destined  prime. 

Then  haste,  sweet  lyre,  the  lay  to  weave 
With  Lydian  melody  combined, 

Such  as  CEnone  shall  receive, 

And  Cyprus  with  enraptured  mind ; 
Where,  banish’d  from  his  own  domains, 
The  Telamonian  Teucer  reigns. 

But  Ajax  his  paternal  soil 

Yet  holds — the  Salaminian  isle.  78 

Achilles  rules  the  shining  land 
Whose  splendour  gems  the  Euxine  deep. 
Phthia  owns  Thetis’  high  command: 
While  each  sublime  and  beaked  steep 


60 

55 

60 

65 

70 

75 

80 


78  1.  e.,  the  island  Leuce,  or  white,  so  named  from  the  abun* 
dance  of  herons  with  which  it  appears  to  glitter  from  afar. 
The  poets  describe  it  as  an  Elysium  where  the  souls  of  deceased 


188 


PINDAR. 


That  rises  eminently  o’er 
Epirus’  wide-extended  shore, 

And  from  Dodona  lifts  the  brow 

To  where  the  Ionian  waters  flow,  85 

Giving  in  numerous  herds  to  graze, 

Young  Neoptolernus  obeys, 
lolcos,  fair  Thessalian  town. 

Which  Pelion’s  woody  summits  crown. 
Attack’d  by  hostile  hand,  a  slave  90 

Peleus  to  his  H2emonians  gave.  91 

He  whom  Acastus’  crafty  dame, 

Hippolyta,  by  guile  o’ercame  ; 

"While  Pelias’  son’s  Daedalian  blade 

For  him  the  fatal  ambush  laid.  95 

But  Chiron  far  the  peril  drove, 

Fulfilling  the  decrees  of  Jove.  100 

He  the  dread  fire’s  all-potent  might. 

The  terrors  of  the  sharpen’d  claws 

And  teeth  that  arm  the  direful  jaws  100 

Of  lions  raging  for  the  fight. 


heroes  enjoy  perpetual  repose.  In  the  celebrated  scholion  of 
Callistraius,  (er  iivotu>  KXa6i,  6ic.,)  Harmodius  is  addressed  as 
dwelling  in  the  islands  of  happy  spirits  with  Diomed  and  the 
swift-footed  Achilles. 

94  The  obscurity  of  this  passage  has  greatly  embarrassed  the 
commentators.  By  the  sword  of  Dwdalus  the  scholiast  simply 
understands  a  fraudulent  design,  sharpened  for  the  destruction 
of  its  victim.  The  poet  must  be  understood  to  institute  a  com¬ 
parison  between  the  craft  of  Acastus  and  that  of  Daedalus,  who 
slew  Minos  by  pouring  on  him  a  stream  of  boiling  water  with 
the  co-operation  of  the  daughters  of  Cocalus,  king  of  Sicily.  In 
like  manner  Peleus  was  subdued  by  stratagem,  and  his  country 
Magnesia  made  subject  to  the  Thessalians,  through  the  treach¬ 
erous  instrumentality  of  Cretheis,  daughter  of  Hippolytus,  and 
wife  to  Acastus.  The  following  lines  allude  to  the  various 
shapes  of  fire,  lion,  &c.,  into  which  Thetis  is  said  to  have  trans¬ 
formed  herself,  with  the  vain  hope  of  avoiding  the  matrimonial 
affinity  of  Peleus.  Pindar  relates  the  story  again  in  Nem.,  v., 
53,  et  seq.,  more  at  large  and  with  greater  clearness. 


FOURTH  NEMEAN  ODE. 


189 


Subdued,  and  to  his  humbler  bed 
A  lofty-throned  Nereid  led. 

His  eye  beheld  th’  assembled  train 

Who  rule  in  heaven  and  in  the  main,  105 

Seated  on  high,  and  bless  his  race 

With  the  rich  gifts  of  power  and  grace.  Ill 

To  Gades  none  can  urge  his  sail. 

Which  clouds  and  western  darkness  veil. 
Approaching  that  most  distant  strand,  110 
Return  the  bark  to  Europe’s  land  ; 

For  never  can  my  tcugue  avail 
To  sing,  jEacidae,  your  lengthen’d  tale. 

But  faithful  to  my  compact,  I 
Hither  a  ready  herald  came,  115 

To  celebrate  those  triumphs  high 
In  sports  that  knit  the  hardy  frame ; 

Which  Isthmus  and  Olympia’s  field 
To  the  Theandridae  with  Nemea’s  yield.  117 

There  having  made  a  first  essay,  ,  120 

Homeward  again  they  bend  their  way. 

But  not  without  the  frequent  crown 
That  bears  the  fruit  of  high  renown. 

Thy  tribe  on  thee  we  hear  in  solemn  state 

With  songs  ^f  triumph,  Timasarchus,  wait.  129  125 

If  whiter  than  the  Parian  stone 
A  monument  thou  bid  me  raise 
To  Callicles  thine  uncle's  praise— 

As  fires  that  sparkling  gold  refine 

Give  all  its  purest  beams  to  shine —  130 


108  Sudorins  thus  paraphrases  the  original  expression,  which 
18  very  peculiar : — 

“  Sufficit  nautas  penitus  remotas 

Visere  Gades, 

Cieca  nox  ultra  est,  tenebrieque  densae — 

Quas  licet  nullis  penetrare  remis.” 


190 


PINDAR. 


So  shall  the  hymn’s  triumphant  tone 
The  hero’s  glorious  deeds  that  sings 
'  Exalt  him  to  the  rank  of  kings. 

Though  now  by  Acheron  he  dwell, 

Yet  shall  my  tongue  his  conquests  tell;  135 
When  Corinth  round  the  victor’s  brow 
In  thund’ring  Neptune’s  game  her  parsley  bade  to 
glow.  142 

He  by  thy  willing  grandsire’s  tongue, 

Old  Euphanes,  has  erst  been  sung, 

Coevals,  youth,  in  other  days  ;  140 

For  best,  as  in  heroic  deeds. 

By  Fortune  aided,  each  succeeds, 

Each  his  bright  eloquence  displays ; 

As  he  Melesias  who  commends 

At  once  the  doubtful  strife  suspends  ;  145 

Weaving  the  melodies  of  song. 

Unconquer’d  in  the  wrestler’s  toil, 

Mild  to  the  good  and  friendly  throng. 

But  rough  his  enemies  to  foil.  156 


THE  FIFTH  NEMEAN  ODE.* 


TO  PYTHEAS  OF  jEGINA,  VICTOR  WITH  THE  C^STUS. 


ARGUMENT. 

The  poet  charges  his  song  with  the  celebration  of  the  victory 
which  Pytheas,  son  of  Lampo,  has  achieved  in  the  Nemean 
games.— Hence  he  digresses  to  the  heroes  of  Jigina,  descend¬ 
ants  of  .^acus,  especially  Peleus,  Euthymenes,  Pytheas,  the 
Athenian  Menander  his  alipta,  and  Themistius. — Concludes 
with  an  address  to  his  muse,  exhorting  her  boldly  to  sing  the 
triumphs  of  Pytheas  at  Nemea  and  in  the  festivals  which 
were  held  at  Epidaurus  in  honour  of  .^sculapius. 


Mine  is  no  statuary’s  fame, 

Whose  art  constructs  the  mimic  frame, 

Forever  standing  on  the  selfsame  base. 

But  leave,  sweet  song,  ^gina’s  port. 

On  long-deck’d  ships  and  cutters  short,  5 

To  tell  that  Lampo’s  mighty  son 
Pytheas  the  Nemean  crown  hath  won. 

Whose  honours  the  pancratium’s  victor  grace. 
Incipient  manhood’s  tender  flower 
Not  yet  his  downy  cheek  array’d  10 

When  his  triumphant  deeds  display’d  ' 

Th’  iEacidae’s  victorious  power — 

The  opening  of  this  ode  contains  an  indirect  reproach  of  the 
kindred  of  Pytheas,  who  wished  to  procure  from  Pindar  an  ode 
to  commemorate  his  victo^  for  a  less  sum  than  three  drachm®, 
(about  ten  pounds,)  asserting  that  it  would  be  preferable  to  pur¬ 
chase  a  statue  for  that  sum :  but  afterward,  sensible  of  their 
error,  they  request  the  bard  to  furnish  them  with  an  ode.  He 
therefore  begins  very  appropriately  by  instituting  a  comparison 
between  the  immobility  of  a  statue  and  the  universal  celebrity 
which  verse*  would  obtain  for  the  victor,  by  penetrating  the 
most  distant  regions  of  the  habitable  world. 


192 


PINDiR. 


Heroes  whose  warlike  glories  spring 
From  Saturn  and  the  heavenly  king, 

And  Thetis’  golden  Nereid  train  ;  "  15 

Illustrating  with  high  renown 
The  parent  city’s  walls  that  crown 
^gina’s  hospitable  plain.  16 

Her  they  implored,  as  near  the  shrine 
Of  their  Hellenian  sire  they  stood,  20 

That  bless’d  with  sons  in  battle  good 
And  naval  strife  her  fame  might  shine  ; 

Then  raised  their  suppliant  hands  on  high 
Endeis’  noble  progeny, 

Together  with  King  Phocus’  might,  25 

Whom  erst  bright  Psamathea  bore, 

A  goddess,  on  her  sandy  shore. 

I  dread  to  speak  with  lofty  tongue. 

And  show  what  direful  ills  have  spning 

From  slighted  sense  of  right.  30 

By  what  avenging  god  expell’d. 

Their  glorious  isle  the  valiant  band 
Deserted — but  my  song  withheld 
From  the  sad  theme,  will  make  a  stand. 

’Tis  not  for  every  truth  to  show  35 

Its  undisguised  and  open  brow — 

Oft  the  best  prudence  of  the  wise 
In  silent  meditation  lies.  33 

But  would  my  song  a  tribute  raise 

Their  wealth  or  manual  strength  to  praise,  40 

And  iron  firmness  in  the  war, 

I’d  leap  beyond  the  rest  afar. 

Proving  with  lightly  bended  knee 
My  supple  frame’s  agility ; 

While  rushes  my  adventurous  strain  45 

On  eagle  wing  beyond  the  main. 

24  I.  e.,  Telamon  and  Peleus,  sons  of  iEacus,  and  Endeis, 
the  daaghter  of  Chiron. 


FIFTH  NEMEAN  ODE. 


193 


The  ready  muses’  lovely  choir 
To  them  on  Pelion’s  mountain  sang, 

And  in  the  midst  Apollo’s  lyre, 

Struck  by  his  golden  plectrum,  rang,  50 

As  the  great  leader  sounded  high 

Its  varied  seven-toned  harmony.  45  ^ 

They  hymn’d,  beginning  first  from  Jove, 

Peleus  and  Thetis’  sacred  name. 

And  how  the  fair  Crelheis  strove,  55 

Hippolyta,  to  soil  his  fame. 

Magnesia’s  lord,  her  spouse,  she  led 
By  many  a  lure  and  artful  wile. 

Feigning  a  tale  of  treacherous  guile. 

That  he  Acastus’  nuptial  bed  60 

Attempted  basely  to  defile.'  56 

'Twas  false — for  him  with  raging  mind 
And  suppliant  prayer  she  oft  address’d  : 

Yet  her  warm  speech  no  love  could  find 

Responsive  in  his  tortured  breast.  -  65 

But  he  refused  the  nymph’s  desire. 

Dreading  His  wrath  the  stranger’s  sire. 
Heaven’s  mighty  king,  immortal  .love, 

Who  guides  the  clouds  that  roll  above. 
Observed  the  deed,  and  gave  a  sign  70 

That  from  the  golden-sceptred  line 
Of  Nereids  sporting  m  the  main 
The  hero  should  a  consort  gain ; 

Persuading  Neptune  to  approve 

The  social  bond  of  kindred  love  ;  67  75 

The  god  who  oft  from  iEgae’s  height 
To  Dorian  Isthmus  speeds  his  flight. 

67  I.  e.,  Jupiter  the  protector  of  strangers. 

74  Neptune  and  Peleus  married  Araphitrite  and  Thetis,  two 
of  the  Nereids ;  they  were  therefore  brothers-in-law. 

FIND. — R 


194 


PINDAR. 


Him  there  receive  the  festal  choir 
With  sound  of  the  melodious  reed, 

And  in  firm  strength  of  limb  aspire, 

The  native  test  of  every  deed  ; 

While  thou,  Euthymenes,  at  rest 
On  the  fair  goddess  Victory’s  breast, 

Raisest  the  varied  h5nnn  to  crown 
Thine  own  ^gina  with  renown. 

Now  Pytheas’  rapid  footsteps  trace 
His  uncle’s  fame  in  glory’s  race  ;  80 

Illustrating  his  kindred  line. 

Such  fame  the  strife  of  Nemea’s  field 
And  the  month’s  circling  periods  yield, 

Which  Phoebus  views  with  love  divine. 

At  home  and  on  green  Nisus’  height, 

His  equals,  rushing  to  the  fight. 

He  conquer’d — I  exult  to  view 
The  city  these  fair  deeds  pursue.  80 

To  brave  Menander’s  presence,  know, 

Thy  toils  their  sweet  requital  owe. 

Who  fits  the  athletes  for  the  ring 
Should  like  himself  from  Athens  spring. 

No  longer  let  chill  fear  control  100 

The  generous  purpose  of  thy  soul, 

Themistius  if  thou  come  to  sing. 

But  raise  thy  voice — and  to  the  end 
Of  the  tall  mast  thy  sails  extend — 

90  I.  c  ,  the  month  Delphinius,  in  which  a  contest  was  cele¬ 
brated  by  the  Aiginetans,  sacred  to  Apollo,  called  the  Hydro- 
phoria. 

99  This  and  the  following  line  are  thus  paraphrased  by  Su- 
dorius  ; — 

“  Cecropidam  decet 
Fortem  exercitiis  praeesse  virilibus.” 

It  appears  from  this  passage  that  the  Athenians  were  as  pre¬ 
eminent  for  their  skill  in  athletic  exercises  as  in  arts  and  arms. 


80 


85 


90 


95 


FIFTH  NEMEAN  ODE. 


195 


Loudly  his  double  palm  proclaim,  -  105 

Which  in  the  Epidaurian  field  . 

The  hardy  wrestler’s  glorious  game, 

And  the  pancratium’s  contests  yield. 

Assisted  by  the  nymphs  of  auburn  hair,  109 

To  ^acus’  high  fane  ’twas  his  the  wreaths  to  bear. 


THE  SIXTH  NEMEAN  ODE. 


TO  ALCIMIDAS  OF  AEGINA,  VICTOR  IN  THE  PAL.ESTRA,  IN 
THE  CLASS  OF  BOYS. 

'  ARGUMENT.  ' 

This  ode  begins  with  a  moral  reflection  on  the  emanation  of 
divinity  by  which  the  mind  of  man  is  enlightened,  being  of  the 
same  origin  with  the  divine  race. — I’his  is  illustrated  by  the 
example  of  Alcimidas,  who,  though  a  mere  youth,  treads  in 
the  footsteps  of  his  grandfather  Praxidarnas. — His  victories  in 
the  different  games  are  enumerated,  by  which  he  has  restored- 
the  glory  of  his  house,  that  had  been  tarnished  by  the  inactiv¬ 
ity  of  his  father  Theo. — The  victories  of  the  tribe  of  Bassidae 
are  celebrated. — Pindar  then  proceeds  to  expatiate  on  the 
glories  of  the  .^Eginetan  heroes. — Returns  to  the  victor,  whose 
five-and-twentieth  triumph  is  celebrated  in  this  ode. — His 
kinsman  Timidas,  and  his  alipta,  or  charioteer,  Melesias, 
whose  rapid  skill  in  guiding  the  car  is  compared  to  that  of  a 
dolphin  cleaving  the  waves. 


Of  mortal  or  immortal  race, 

From  the  same  mother  earth  we  trace 

Our  lives — but  not  the  same  degree 

Of  power  and  vital  energy 

To  man  of  transient  space  is  given,  5 

As  in  the  brazen  soil  of  heav’n. 

Yet  some  resemblance  can  we  find 
Of  nature  or  the  mighty  mind 
That  links  us  to  the  powers  divine, 

Howe’er  ’tis  not  in  us  to  know  10 

When  shall  stern  fate’s  recorded  blow. 

By  day  or  night,  our  course  define.  13 

Now  by  Alcimidas  is  found 
The  kindred  excellence  display’d, 

As  fields  with  rich  luxuriance  crown’d,  15 
To  mortal  life  subservient  made, 


SIXTH  NEMEAN  ODE. 


197 


Renew  their  annual  vigour,  bless’d 
With  due  vicissitudes  of  rest. 

Warm  from  the  pleasing  Neniean  game, 

’Twas  thus  the  hardy  stripling  came,  20 

This  contest,  which  began  from  Jove, 

Pursuing  with  unwearied  pace, 

He  for  the  wrestler’s  chaplet  strove, 

Eager  as  huntsman  in  the  chase  ; 

Tracking  his  grandsire’s  bright  career,  25 
Praxidamas,  his  steps  appear. 

He,  where  Alpheus’  waters  flow, 

Olympia’s  wreath  around  his  brow 
To  grace  th’  JEacidac  entwined, 

Five  times  on  him  the  Isthmian  crown  30, 
And  Nemea’s  thrice  conferr’d  renown  ; 

No  longer  in  oblivion  pined 
Soclides,  plant  of  elder  shoot 
From  Agesimachus,  the  parent  root.  37 

Since  they,  the  triple  chaplet  gain’d,  35 

To  valour’s  summit  have  attain’d — 

With  labour  and  triumphant  might 
Contending  in  the  glorious  fight. 

More  numerous  palms  by  favouring  Heav’n 
Have  to  no  other  house  been  given,  40 

Won  in  the  pugilistic  fray. 

Than  such  as  on  the  Isthmian  strand, 

Recess  of  all  the  Grecian  land. 

This  noble  tribe  has  borne  away.  45 

With  lofty  eloquence  of  speech  45 

The  destined  mark  I  hope  to  reach. 

Thither,  oh  muse,  from  out  thy  bow 
The  shaft  of  epic  sweetness  throw. 

To  them  the  bards  of  other  days 
•  Have  given  the  meed  of  honest  praise ;  50 

Since  frequent  acts  transmit  to  fame 
The  Bassidae’s  illustrious  name. 

R  2 


198 


PINDAR. 


A  race  renown’d  in  ancient  lore, 

Who  their  ovvti  high  encomium  bore, 

And  by  their  vigorous  deeds  could  yield  55 
To  such  as  till  Pieria’s  field 
Full  many  a  hymn — his  hands  around 
The  caestus’  leathern  safeguard  bound. 

From  the  same  tribe  in  Pytho's  fray 

Brave  Callias  erst  the  prize  obtain’d,  60 

And  Phoebus’  high  approval  gain’d. 

From  golden-sceptred  Lato  sprung ; 

Whose  triumphs  at  the  close  of  day 

The  Graces’ choir  in  bright  array 

Have  by  Castalia’s  waters  sung.  66  65 

And  where  the  Isthmian  bridge  divides 
Th’  unwearied  and  opposing  tides. 

To  him  the  Amphictyons’  high  decree 
Assign’d  their  palm  of  victory. 

Who  by  triennial  bullocks  slain  70 

Appeased  the  monarch  of  the  main. 

Him  too  the  lion’s  parsley  crown’d 
_  Triumphant  on  that  sacred  ground 
Which  lies  beneath  the  shade  outspread 
Of  Phlius’ ancient  mountain’s  head.  74  75 

Open  to  bards  on  every  side 

Is  the  fair  theme,  the  entrance  wide, 

Who  to  this  glorious  island  raise 
The  tribute  of  poetic  praise. 

To  them  the  iEacidae  have  shown  80 

Their  mighty  virtues’  ample  fame ; 

While  far  o’er  earth  and  sea  has  flown 
The  sound  of  their  illustrious  name. 

Even  to  the  distant  AEthiops’  seat,  84 

Ere  Memnon  homeward  urged  his  wand’ring  feet. 


62  The  epithet  here  given  to  Latoiia  is  the  same  by  which 
Thetis  is  distinguished — (Nem.,  v,,  65  ;)  and  Amphitrite,  wife 
of  Neptune — (01,,  ii.,  168.) 


SIXTH  NEMEAN  ODE. 


✓ 


On  them  fell  strife  and  heavy  war, 

What  time  Achilles  from  his  car, 

Leaping  with  hasty  step  on  earth. 

By  wrathful  spear’s  ensanguined  head 
The  monarch  number’d  with  the  dead. 
Who  to  bright  morning  owed  his  birth. 
Poets  of  other  ages  here 
Have  urged  their  chariots’  swift  career : 
And  1  in  this  pursuit  am  join’d — 

The  waves  that  near  the  rudder  flow, 
While  the  ship  cleaves  the  depths  below. 
First  occupy  the  steersman’s  mind.  97 

% 

But  I  on  willing  shoulders  bear 
A  double  load  of  anxious  care, 

And  come  a  herald  to  proclaim 
The  glories  of  the  sacred  game. 

Whose  five-and-twenty  garlands  grace 
Alcimidas’  illustrious  race. 

Thee,  boy,  and  Timidas,  who  strove 
By  the  Saturnian  monarch’s  grove. 

The  guerdon  of  Olympia’s  fray 
Thy  lot  forbade  to  bear  away. 

E’en  like  the  dolphin  race  that  sweep 
On  rapid  fin  the  watery  deep, 

Melesias  would  1  name,  whose  force 
And  hands  direct  the  chariot’s  course.  1 


THE  SEVENTH  NEMEAN  ODE. 


TO  SOGENES  OF  -EGIIJA,  VICTOR  WHEN  A  BOY  IN  THE 
PENTATHLIC  GAMES. 


ARGUMENT. 

This  ode  opens  with  an  address  to  Eilithyia,  the  goddess  who 
presided  at  parturition,  declaring  that  Sogenes,  the  son  of 
Thearion,  was  at  his  birth  gifted  with  so  robust  a  frame  as 
should  enable  him  while  yet  a  boy  to  conquer  in  the  pentath- 
him. — The  muses,  by  celebrating  in  song  the  glorious  actions 
of  heroes,  confer  on  them  a  celebrity  more  than  commensurate 
with  their  importance  ;  nor  would  Ulysses  have  acquired 
such  fame  but  for  the  praises  of  Homer. — To  them  is  owing 
the  renown  of  Neoptolemus,  son  of  Achilles,  one  of  the  heroes 
of  .^gina.  to  whose  history  the  poet  digresses. — Then  check¬ 
ing  himself,  from  the  fear  of  exciting  satiety  in  his  hearers,  he 
returns  to  .^Egina,  Thearion.  and  the  victor  Sogenes  ;  invo¬ 
king  the  continued  favour  of  Jupiter,  to  whom  the  Nemean 
games  were  sacred,  of  .^acus,  and  especially  of  Hercules, 
whom  he  entreats  to  become  an  intercessor  with  Jupiter, 
Juno,  and  Minerva,  that  they  may  grant  their  protection  to 
the  conqueror  and  to  his  latest  posterity. — Concludes  with 
declaring  his  intention  not  to  insult  the  memory  of  Neoptole¬ 
mus  by  renewing  the  story  of  his  death ;  but  deprecates  re¬ 
peated  apologies  to  his  adversaries. 


Oh  thou,  to  whom  a  seat  is  given 
The  deep-revolving  Parcae  near, 

Child  of  the  potent  queen  of  heav’n, 

Prolific  Eilithyia,  hear ! 

Without  thine  aid  we  ne’er  should  claim  5 
In  the  clear  day  or  sable  night 
To  gaze  upon  the  genial  light, 

And  view  thy  sister  Hebe’s  hardy  frame. 

4  The  precise  object  of  Pindar  in  this  opening  address  to  the 
goddess  of  parturition  has  been  variously  explained  by  different 


SEVENTH  NEMEAN  ODE.  201 

Not  subject  all  to  equal  law, 

The  vital  energy  we  draw.  10 

But  thou,  as  different  fates  prevail, 

Urgest  our  ever-varying  scale. 

With  thee  his  valiant  arm  to  bless, 

Young  Sogenes,  Theario’s  son, 

Shines  in  renown  and  high  success  15 

Mid  those  who  the  pentalhlic  wreath  have  won.  12 

He  in  th’  ^acidee’s  fair  city  dwells, 

Who  shake  the  spear,  and  rouse  with  kindred  flame 
The  sons  to  emulate  their  fathers’  fame, 

Where  the  song  oft  the  pomp  of  triumph  swells.  20 
On  him,  whom  fortune’s  smiles  befriend. 

The  muses’  honey’d  streams  descend  ; 

While  o’er  the  deeds  that  want  their  tale 
Darkness  extends  her  dusky  veil. 

We  in  what  polish’d  mirror  know  25 

Illustrious  deeds  reflected  glow. 

If  with  resplendent  fillet  bound 
Mnemosyne  permit  to  share 
That  sweet  reward  of  toil  and  care. 

The  epic  lay’s  illustrious  sound.  30 

Three  days  ere  yet  the  tempest  rise 
The  skilful  mariner  descries. 

ancient  commentators.  It  has  been  suggested  by  some,  with  a 
great  appearance  of  probability,  that  Thearion,  the  father  of 
Sogenes,  was  in  the  habit  of  sacrificing  to  Eilithyia,  to  whom  a 
temple  was  erected  near  his  residence.  Callimachus  (hymn, 
ad  Del.  257)  speaks  of  a  lay  peculiar  to  this  divinity  : — 

ciirav  KXeiOvirji  lepov  peXoi. 

The  reciting  of  which  is  noticed  by  Madame  Dacier  as  a  very 
unusual  circumstance,  but  is  not  commented  on  by  Spanheim. 
In  the  Iliad,  (xi.,  348,)  the  Eilithyia  are  mentioned  in  the  plural, 
as  daughters  of  JunoLucino,  in  which  passage  Pope  takes  no 
inconsiderable  liberty  both  with  the  quality  and  orthography  of 
this  venerable  sisterhood,  by  calling  them  the  fierce  llythice. 

31  Pliny  in  his  Natural  History  (lib.  iii.)  relates  that  the  in¬ 
habitants  of  the  island  of  Lipara  can  foretel  from  the  course  of 
the  smoke  which  ascends  from  it  what  will  be  the  direction  of 


202 


PINDAR. 


Both  rich  and  poor  one  common  doom 
Calls  undistinguish’d  to  the  tomb. 

If  right  I  deem,  one  ampler  fame  35 

Exalts  the  great  Ulysses’  name, 

From  Homer’s  sweet  poetic  song. 

Than  to  his  deeds  could  e’er  belong.  31 

Since  genius’  bright  and  airy  vein 
Hallows  the  fictions  of  his  strain  ;  40 

And  wisdom  in  sweet  fabje  dress’d 
With  potent  charm  allures  the  breast. 
Meanwhile  the  crowd  in  error  stray. 

Darkness  still  brooding  o’er  their  way  ; 

For  had  their  mind  the  truth  perceived,  45 
Brave  Ajax,  mad  with  anger’s  smart, 

When  of  the  arms  by  them  bereaved. 

Ne’er  with  smooth  sword  had  pierced  his  heart. 
Him,  rivalling  Achilles’  might, 

Chief  of  the  Grecian  host,  in  fight,  50 

For  bright-hair'd  Menelaus’  bride. 
Propitious-breathing  zephyrs  bore 
To  Ilus’  walls  on  Phrygia’s  shore. 

In  ships  that  swiftly  plough’d  the  tide.  44 

Gulf’d  by  the  same  infernal  wave,  55 

The  bright  and  lowly  seek  the  grave. 

Yet  heroes  live  beyond  the  tomb — 

Whene’er  the  muse  augments  their  fame. 

To  earth’s  deep-bosom’d  centre  came. 

Soon  as  he  wrought  Troy’s  final  doom,  60 
Young  Pyrrhus,  with  the  Greeks  to  aid. 

And  in  the  Pythian  plain  was  laid. 

Destined  to  see  his  purpose  fail. 

From  Scyros  when  he  urged  his  sail ; 

Till  wandering  o’er  the  watery  way,  65 

To  Ephyre  the  warriors  stray.  55 


the  wind  three  days  afterward.  It  is  probable  that  Pindar  here 
alludes  to  some  such  tradition. 


SEVENTH  NEMEAN  ODE. 


203 


» 


Short  time  he  in  Molossia  reign’d 
Whose  sceptre  still  his  race  retain’d ; 

And  bearing  from  the  conquer’d  soil 
The  first  fruits  of  the  Trojan  spoil,  70 

Approach’d  the  god — but  fell  in  deadly  strife, 
Himself  a  victim  to  the  hostile  knife.  62 

The  Delphians  mourn’d  with  heavy  wo  ; 

But  fate  in  vengeance  urged  the  blow, 

By  whose  decree  a  king  should  come  75 

Of  vEacus’  high  line,  to  rest 

Within  the  grove’s  tinie-hallow’d  breast. 

Near  Phoebus’  wall-encircled  dome  ; 

WTiere  his  presiding  eye  miglit  still  survey 
Chiefs  with  heroic  pomp  the  sacrifice  display.  80 

Three  potent  reasons  will  avail 
To  justify  the  murderous  tale. 

No  fraudful  witness  he  who  claims 
Dominion  o’er  the  sacred  games. 

The  race  that  springs  from  thee  and  Jove  85 
Will  by  their  virtues’  shining  beam, 

./Egina,  my  bold  speech  approve. 

And  hallow  the  domestic  theme.  76 

But  sweet  the  moment  of  repose 

That  brings  each  labour  to  its  close ;  90 

Since  e’en  excess  of  honey  cloys. 

And  flow’r  of  Aphrodisian  joys. 

By  nature  various  lots  are  thrown, 

But  perfect  happiness  to  none. 

71  According  to  the  scholiast,  it  is  related  of  Neoptolenjus 
that  while  sacrificing  at  Delphi,  and  endeavouring  to  prevent 
the  people  from  snatching  away  the  offerings,  according  to  their 
custom,  he  was  slain  by  them  in  a  tumult  of  indignation.  Virgil 
(iEn.,  iii.,  330)  relates  that  Neoptolemus  was  slain  by  Orestes, 
in  revenge  for  the  loss  of  his  kingdom  and  affianced  bride  Her- 
mione. 


204 


PINDAR. 


Nor  can  I  tell  whose  prosperous  state*  95 
On  constant  height  is  raised  by  fate : 

That,  bless’d  'I'hearion,  gives  to  thee 
Due  portion  of  felicity.  87 

Since  prudence  ne’er  deserts  thy  mind, 

With  glorious  hardihood  combined. 

May  1,  a  stranger,  still  be  pure 
From  reprehension’s  tale  obscure  ! 

As  rills  convey’d  into  the  field 
Their  fructifying  moisture  yield. 

So  I  with  just  and  liberal  praise  10/ 

The  friendly  hero’s  name  will  raise. 

Such  is  the  guerdon  of  the  brave.  93 

Nor  let  a  Greek  attack  my  name. 

Approaching  near,  with  voice  of  blame, 

Who  dwells  beyond  th’  Ionian  wave.  95  110 

Trusting  their  hospitable  love, 

Among  the  townsmen’s  social  throng 
With  look  serene  and  bright  I  move. 

And  foot  estranged  from  force  or  wrong. 
Advancing  time  new  bliss  convey  !  115 

And  let  the  man  who  knows  me  say 
If  to  the  strain  my  tongue  impart 
The  slanders  of  a  rancorous  heart.  102 

Oh  Sogenes !  who  from  the  tribe  art  sprung 

Of  brave  Euxenidae,  (I  swear  120 

That  like  the  brass-tipp’d  javelin,  ne’er 
1  sent  beyond  the  mark  my  rapid  tongue,) 

Who  carriedst  from  the  wrestler’s  toil 
A  sinewy  neck  and  corporal  might 
Which  labour’s  dew  could  never  soil,  125 

Nor  sun  oppress  with  noonday  light. 

And  though  full  arduous  were  the  deed. 

More  sweet  succeeding  triumph’s  meed. 


SEVENTH  NEMEAN  ODE.  205 

Permit  me  for  the  victor’s  sake 
A  strain  of  louder  note  to  wake.  130 

No  churlish  bard  sings  thy  renown. 

’Twere  easy  for  the  victor’s  brow 
To  twine  a  leafy  wreath — but  thou  ^ 
Expect  the  muse’s  golden  crown  ; 

Who  plucks  the  flower  of  ivory  hue,  135 

And  coral  steep’d  in  ocean  dew.  117 

% 

But,  tranquil  mind,  a  bolder  lay 

Must  hymn  great  Jove  and  Nemea’s  fray ; 

Since  on  this  soil  the  heavenly  king 

’Tis  fit  with  voice  divine  to  sing ;  140 

For,  Hercules,  thy  brother  guest. 

Whose  mild  sway  rules  my  country  bless’d, 
From  him  and  the  maternal  seed 
By  fame  is  stated  to  proceed.  127 

If  man  to  man  assistance  lend,  145 

What  joy  so  grateful  shall  we  find 
As  that  of  neighbour  and  of  friend 
Who  loves  us  with  a  constant  mind  ? 

And  if  the  gods  ai  e  prone  to  feel 
The  same  desire  for  others’  weal,  150 

Near  thee,  who  couldst  the  giants  quell. 
Securely  Sogenes  might  dwell, 

Tending  his  sire  with  pious  care 
In  his  forefathers’  city  fair.  136 

For  as  the  doubly  yoked  steed  .  155 

Urges  the  rapid  chariot’s  speed, 

On  either  hand  thy  neighb’ring  dome, 

Alcides,  guards  his  humbler  home. 

136  For  as  the  brightness  and  warmth  of  the  sun  bring  the 
vegetable  coral  to  its  matured  state  of  hardness,  so  does  the 
muse  bestow  on  the  victor  his  best  reward  in  her  perfect  strain 
of  encomiastic  melody. 

141  ^acus  was  the  son  of  Jove  and  the  nymph  ^Egina,  and 
brother  to  Hercules. 

FIND. - S 


206 


PINDAR* 


’Tis  thine,  bless’d  hero,  to  persuade 
Jove,  Juno,  and  the  blue-eyed  maid.  160 

Thou  oft  in  troubles  canst  impart 
Strength  to  the  fainting  mortal  heart,  . 

Oh !  may  their  lives  thy  care  engage 
In  shining  youth  and  hoary  age, 

That  present  honour  and  more  bright  success  165 
Henceforth  his  children’s  children  may  possess  ! 

Never  my  tongue  with  bitter  sound 
'  Brave  Neoptolemus  shall  wound. 

But  to  repeat  this  thrice-told  truth 

Can  want  of  language  only  prove  ;  170 

As  babbling  sires  instruct  their  youth, 
Corinthus  was  the  son  of  Jove.”  155 

168  Pindar’s  reverence  for  Neoptolemus  was  strengthened  by 
the  constant  sight  of  the  altar  raised  at  Delphi  to  that  hero, 
near  to  which  was  placed  the  seat  whence  the  poet  chanted  his 
hynms  in  honour  of  Apollo. 


THE  EIGHTH  NEMEAN  ODE. 


TO  DEINIS,  SON  OF  MEGAS,  VICTOR  IN  THE  STADIC 

COURSE. 


ARGUMENT. 

This  ode  opens  with  an  address  to  the  flower  of  youth,  the 
harbinger  of  successful  as  well  as  calamitous  love, — This 
leads  to  the  happy  amour  of  Jupiter  with  the  nymph  ,^gina, 
the  fruit  of  which  was  the  valiant  ,<Eacus,  from  whom  he 
supplicates  as  great  a  degree  of  prosperity  for  the  ^ginetans 
as  was  enjoyed  by  Cinyras,  king  of  Cyprus. — Returns  from 
his  digression,  lest  he  should  excite  envy  and  blame. — This 
was  the  cause  of  the  death  of  Ajax,  who  by  an  unjust  decree 
was  deprived  of  the  arms  of  Achilles,  and  of  many  other  mis¬ 
chiefs. — The  poet  addresses  a  prayer  to  Jupiter  that  he  may 
never  indulge  this  malevolent  disposition. — On  the  other 
hand,  he  delights  in  celebrating  by  his  verses  the  valour  of 
Deinis,  his  father  Megas,  and  the  tribe  of  the  Chariadaj ;  since 
the  framing  of  poetical  encomia  has  always  afforded  a  pleasing 
alleviation  of  the  heaviest  calamities. 


Bless'd  prime  of  youth !  the  herald  sweet 
Of  Aphrodite’s  golden  joys, 

Who  on  the  eyelids  hast  thy  seat 
Of  tender  nymphs  and  amorous  boys ; 

While  one  in  gentle  arms  is  borne,  5 

And  from  th’  embrace  another  torn. 

How  pleased  who  in  each  deed  of  love 
Occasion’s  fair  advantage  prove. 

Seizing  with  a  successful  aim 
The  objects  of  their  happy  flame.  9 


Such  were  the  guards  of  Venus’  gifts,  who  shed 
Their  genial  influence  round  iBgiua’s  bed ; 


10 


208 


PINDAR. 


From  whom  and  mighty  Jove  was  given  to  spring 
In  arm  and  counsel  strong,  CEnone’s  king. 

Him  many  oft  begg’d  to  survey,  15 

Since  of  the  nations  dwelling  round, 

The  flower  of  that  heroic  train 
Who  led  their  armies  on  the  plain 
By  rock-protected  Athens  crown’d. 

And  they  of  Pelops’  valiant  band  20 

Scatter’d  throughout  the  Spartan  land. 

Would  fain  his  lordly  will  obey.  21 

While  I  in  suppliant  action  seize 
Great  iEacus’  time-honour’d  knees, 

Imploring  the  loved  city’s  weal,  25 

And  citizens’  with  anxious  zeal. 

To  Deinis  now  the  wreath  I  bring. 

With  Lydian  melodies  entwined, 

And  Nemea’s  double  stadium  sing. 

His  father  Megas’  praise  combined.  30 

'  From  bounties  which  the  god  bestows 
More  lasting  bliss  to  mortals  flows ; 

Who  royal  Cinyras  erewhile 
Loaded  with  wealth  in  Cyprus’  isle.  31 

Now  on  suspended  foot  I  rest,  35 

Pausing  ere  I  my  tale  unfold — 

Since  they  who  carry  to  the  test 
Whate’er  by  ancient  bards' is  told, 

Seeking  to  feign  a  story  new. 

All  that  is  perilous  pursue.  40 

Such  fictions  give  the  envious  food, 

Who  spare  the  feeble,  but  assault  the  good.  38 

Pierced  by  the  sword,  through  these  undone. 
Died  Telamon’s  heroic  son. 

Unskill’d  in  speech,  though  brave  in  soul,  45 
Oblivion’s  waves  his  deeds  control ; 

While  varied  falsehood  in  the  fray 
The  mighty  guerdon  bears  away. 


EIGHTH  NEMEAN  ODE. 


209 


For  by  the  fraudulent  decree, 

When  sought  the  Greeks  Ulysses’  love,  50 
Reft  of  the  golden  panoply, 

With  fate  in  vain  brave  Ajax  strove.  47 

Yet  dealt  their  arms  far  different  blows 
On  the  warm  bodies  of  their  foes, 

Under  the  man-defending  spear —  55 

Some  for  Achilles  newly  slain. 

Some  they  for  other  toils  sustain. 

That  mark  those  slaughterous  days’  career. 

But  among  men  of  old  had  sprung, 

Companions  of  the  glowing  tongue,  60 

Deceit  and  hatred’s  foul  disgrace  ; 

Which  often  with  insidious  blow 
Lays  fortune’s  towering  minion  low, 

And  gives  th’  obscure  his  glorious  place.  58 

Never,  oh  Father  Jove !  be  mine  65 

Manners  so  stamp’d  by  false  design ; 

But  let  my  steps,  life’s  journey  through. 
Simplicity’s  straight  paths  pursue; 

That  my  surviving  sons  may  claim 
Inheritance  of  spotless  fame.  70 

While  some  for  golden  treasures  pray. 

Others  for  land’s  unbounded  sway. 

May  I  acquire  the  townsmen’s  love. 

Ere  in  the  earth  my  limbs  are  laid — 

Boldly  their  virtuous  deeds  approve,  75 

But  be  their  sins  with  blame  repaid !  68 

Virtue  her  growing  strength  renews. 

Nurtured  by  poets’  fostering  care. 

As  the  tree  fed  by  tender  dews 

Shoots  proudly  through  the  liquid  air.  80 
The  aid  of  friends  man  ever  needs. 

But  chiefly  in  laborious  deeds. 

A  faithful  mirror  true  delight 
Requires  to  place  before  the  sight.  75 
s  3 


210 


PINDAR. 


’Tis  not  in  my  imperfect  art  85 

Thy  soul,  oh  Megas !  to  restore ; 

And  empty  hopes  can  but  impart  , 

The  issue  vain  they  ever  bore. 

But  a  musaean  stone  to  raise 

To  thee,  and  in  thy  tribe’s  high  praise,  90 

The  brave  Chariadae,  ’tis  mine — 

With  joy  I  hail  thy  double  speed. 

And  to  reward  the  glorious  deed 
Send  forth  the  tributary  line. 

Full  oft  before  the  child  of  grief  95 

Has  found  in  song  a  sure  relief. 

Th’  encomiastic  hymn  was  rife 
Before  Adrastus’  and  the  Thebans’  strife.  87 


\ 


THE  NINTH  NEMEAN  ODE 


TO  CHROMIUS  THE  jETNjEAN,  ON  HIS  VICTORY  IN  THK 

CHARIOT  RACE. 


ARGUMENT. 

Pindar  invokes  the  muses  to  bring  the  Pythian  pomp  from 
Sicyon  to  the  new-built  city  of  iEtna  in  honour  of  Chromius, 
who  has  obtained  a  victory  in  these  games  when  celebrated 
at  the  former  city. — Digresses  to  the  history  of  Adrastus  the 
Argive  chief,  by  whom  they  were  instituted,  and  the  fate  of 
Amphiaraus,  together  with  reflections  arising  therefrom. — 
Returns  to  his  subject,  and  offers  up  prayers  to  Jupiter  for  the 
welfare  of  the  .lEtnaeans. — Concludes  the  ode  with  the  praises 
of  Chromius,  and  supplications  to  Jupiter  that  he  will  crown 
the  victor  with  future  triumphs. 


From  Sicyon,  ruled  by  Pytho’s  king. 

The  pomp,  oh  muses !  we  will  bring 
To  new-built  ^Etna,  Chromius’  mansion  bless’d. 
Whose  doors  are  open  to  the  frequent  guest. 

But  weave  a  dulcet  epic  strain —  5 

For  when  he  mounts  the  victor  car. 

The  mother  and  her  offspring  twain 
Hail  the  triumphant  voice  from  far ; 

Whose  joint-inspecting  eyes  survey 

From  Pytho’s  height  the  glorious  fray.  12  10 

By  man’s  consenting  voice  ’tis  said 
No  act  to  prosperous  issue  brought 
Should  on  the  earth  in  scorn  be  laid. 

The  song  with  boastful  praises  fraught 


7  L  e.,  Lalona  with  Apollo  and  Diana. 


212 


FINDAK, 


Offers  the  due,  the  noblest  meed  15 

To  recompense  the  victor’sdeed. 

The  sounding  harp  then  let  us  raise — 

And  in  th’  equestrian  contests’  praise 
Give  the  sonorous  flute  to  blow — 

Those  contests  which  in  Phcebus’  nanve  20 
Adrastus  consecrates  to  fame, 

Where  pure  Asopus’  waters  flow% 

These  my  recording  muse  shall  trace, 

And  with  illustrious  wreaths  the  hero  grace.  24 

'Who  ruling  then  with  sceptred  sway  25 

In  contests  of  corporeal  might, 

And  in  his  polish’d  chariots’  flight, 

Raised  his  loved  city’s  name  on  high 
With  new  and  festal  revelry. 

From  bold  Amphiaraus  far  30 

'Fell  discord  and  intestine  war, 

And  Argive  home  he  urged  his  way. 

No  more  by  this  dire  fiend  oppress’d. 

Their  empire  Talaus’  sons  possess’d  : 

But  a  good  man  composes  hate,  35 

And  enmities  of  ancient  date.  36 

As  when  the  firmest  pledge  of  truth, 

Adrastus  to  CEclides’  bed 
His  sister  Eriphyle  led. 

Her  who  subdued  the  hapless  youth —  40 

Over  the  bright-hair’d  Grecian  train 
’Twas  theirs  dominion  to  obtain. 

When  they  to  Thebes’  seven  portals  bring 
(Cheer’d  by  no  bird’s  auspicious  wing) 

Their  numerous  host — Saturnian  Jove,  45 

Who  hurls  his  lightning  shafts  above. 

Exhorted  their  mad  haste  to  stay, 

Nor  urge  from  home  their  lengthen’d  way.  48 

34  The  children  of  Talaus  were  Adrastus,  ParthenopaeuF. 
Pronax,  Mecistheus,  and  their  sister  Eriphyle,  who  was  married 
to  the  prophet  Amphiaraus., 


NINTH  NEMEAN  ODE. 


-213 


With  brazen  arms  and  steeds  elate 
The  crowd  rush’d  on  to  open  fate ; 

And  vanquish’d  on  Ismenus’  banks, 

Cut  off  from  hope  of  sweet  return, 

The  bodies  of  their  slaughter’d  ranks, 

Fattening  the  lurid  volumes,  burn ; 

For,  placed  on  seven  funereal  pyres. 

The  youthful  heroes  feed  the  fires. 

Jove  the  earth’s  solid  bosom  broke 
By  his  all-potent  thunder  stroke. 

And  low  Amphiaraus  laid 
In  chariot  with  the  steeds  array’d. 

Ere,  Periclymenus,  thy  spear 
Controll’d  his  warlike  mind’s  career, 

And  on  his  wounded  back  a  trace 
Fix’d  of  indelible  disgrace.  63 

For  when  the  gods  with  fears  excite,  65 

Their  very  sons  are  moved  to  flight. 

Oh !  that  my  prayers,  Saturnian  Jove, 

The  dire  essay  and  warlike  boast 

That  rouses  the  Phoenician  host 

Could  far  from  ^Etna’s  walls  remove,  76 

Of  thee  a  long  and  prosperous  fate 

I  for  her  children  supplicate ;  75 

Whose  favour  can  the  people  crown 
With  civic  honour  and  renown. 

A  race  of  men  inhabit  there,  75 

Well  pleased  the  generous  steed  to  train. 
Who  an  exalted  spirit  bear. 

That  soars  above  the  thirst  of  gain. 

Incredible  my  words  must  prove 

For  shame  and  glory’s  noble  fire,  80 

Quench’d  in  unequal  strife,  expire 

With  lucre’s  mercenary  love. 

Oh !  hadst  thou  stood  by  Chromius’  side 
In  the  pedestrian  battle’s  tide, 


'  50 


55 


60 


$ 


214 


PINDAR. 


And  when  his  coursers  whirl’d  the  car,  85 
And  vessels  waged  the  naval  war, 

Then  had  thine  eye  discern’d  aright 
The  peril  of  that  deadly  fight ; 

And  how  that  goddess’  power  endued 

His  warlike  mind  with  fortitude,  90 

The  terrors  of  the  dire  affray 

And  Mars’  assaults  to  drive  away.  88 

But  few  by  strength  or  prudent  mind 
From  their  own  threaten’d  ranks  can  find 
Of  present  death  to  turn  the  cloud 
Backward  upon  the  hostile  crowd. 

Hector’s  bright  fame  is  said  to  glow 
Near  where  Scamander’s  waters  flow.  95 

By  steep  Helorus’  banks  of  stone. 

Where  men  Area’s  traject  name,  100 

In  his  first  youth  with  glory’s  flame 
Agesidamus’  offspring  shone. 

His  labours  wrought  in  other  days. 

Whether  upon  the  dusty  plain. 

Or  islands  of  the  neighb’ring  main,  105 

With  due  encomium  will  I  praise. 

Such  as  in  fervid  youth  are  wrought. 

If  justice  sanctify  the  deed, 

Through  life  with  sweet  enjoyment  fraught, 

To  age’s  latest  hour  proceed.  110 

99  The  Heloras  was  a  very  rapid  river  in  the  southeast  of 
Sicily,  mentioned  by  V irgil,  (^En.,  lii.,  698,)  on  the  banks  of  which 
the  scholiast  informs  us  that  Gelon,  with  the  assistance  of  Chro- 
mius,  obtained  a  victory  over  the  Carthaginians.  Area's  traject 
is  not  so  clearly  defined  by  geographers.  Tbe  scholiast  is  of 
opinion  that  it  was  a  name  given  to  that  part  of  the  Fretum  Si- 
culum  contiguous  to  Rheginm,  in  commemoration  of  the  war¬ 
like  events  which  took  place  on  that  coast,  and  tells  us  that  it 
is  a  doubtful  point  whether  the  true  reading  be  Apciasy  or  Ftag. 
One  edition  gives  apeias,  from  apais,  as  denoting  the  traject  oj 
threats— of  ^ke  Carthaginians.) 


NINTH  NEMEAN  ODE. 


215 


From  heaven’s  immortal  rulers  know 
Such  wondrous  happiness  must  flow.  108 

If  ever  wealth’s  abundant  store 
Illustrious  glory  should  convey, 

No  higher  eminence  explore,  115 

No  farther  mortal  feet  can  stray. 

As  the  convivial  board  is  crown’d 
By  jocund  youth’s  enlivening  sound, 

Thus  the  soft  luxuries  of  song 

To  recent  conquest’s  praise  . belong.  120 

Where’er  the  festal  cup  is  shown 

The  voice  assumes  a  bolder  tone. 

Let  this  by  any  mingled  be, 

Sweet  harbinger  of  revelry !  120  , 


Let  him  in  silver  goblets  pour  '  ,  :  125 

The  potent  offspring  of  the  vine  ; 

With  which  the  steeds  in  days  of  yore 
Enrich’d  triumphant  Chromius’  store ; 

While  Phoebus  gloried  to  entwine 

For  him  the  justly  woven  crown  130 

From  Sicyon’s  venerable  town. 

To  thee,  oh  Father  Jove !  I  pray 
Grant  me  this  conquest  to  display, 

Assisted  by  the  Graces’  choir — 

^  Oh !  may  I  honour  in  my  strain  135 

The  various  wreaths  his  efforts  gain. 

And  to  the  muses  let  my  shafts  aspire.  132 


THE  TENTH  NEMEAN  ODE. 


TO  THIJEUS,  SON  OF  ULIAS,  VICTOR  IN  THE  PALESTRA. 


ARGUMENT. 

Addressing  this  ode  to  Thiaeus,  who  had  conquered  at  Argos 
in  the  Hecatombaea,  or  Herea,  games  sacred  to  Juno,  the  poet 
begins  by  recounting  the  ancient  histories,  and  celebrating 
the  heroes  and  other  noted  characters  connected  with  that 
ancient  city  of  Danaus,  Perseus,  Medusa,  Epaphus,  Hyperm- 
nestra,  Diornedes,  Amphiaraus,  Amphitryo,  and  Hercules. — 
Recalls  himseli  to  his  subject,  and  enumerates  the  various 
triumphs  of  the  victor,  as  well  as  those  which  have  at  differ¬ 
ent  times  graced  his  family. — From  the  mention  of  Pam- 
phaes,  one  of  his  maternal  ancestors,  who  hospitably  enter¬ 
tained  Castor  and  Pollux,  he  is  led  to  relate  the  history  of  the 
Dioscuri,  with  which  he  concludes  the  ode. 


Argos,  old  Danaus’  towering  seat, 

And  fifty  high-throned  daughters’  home, 

Where  rises  Juno’s  stately  dome, 

Graces,  with  hymns  of  triumph  greet ; 

W^hose  deeds  her  shining  glories  raise  5 

With  endless  arguments  of  praise. 

Long  is  the  tale  how  Perseus  sped 
With  dire  Medusa’s  gorgon  head ; 

And  how  o’er  Egypt’s  land  appear’d 

The  towns  by  Epaphus  uprear’d ;  10 

Or  Hypermnestra  pure  remain’d. 

Whose  sheath  alone  the  sword  retain’d.  11 

The  goddess  of  the  azure  eye 
Immortal  Diornedes  made ; 

And  pierced  by  Jove’s  artillery,  15 

The  Theban  earth’s  funereal  shade 


TENTH  NEMEAN  ODE. 


217 


Received  (Eclides,  hapless  seer, 

Who  urged  the  stormy  war’s  career, 

Nor  less  in  nymphs  with  lovely  hair 
Refulgent  shines  the  city’s  fame.  20 

This  Jupiter’s  descents  proclaim 
To  Danae  and  Alcmena  fair : 

He  who  to  harmony  inclined 
Adrastus’  sire  and  Lynceus’  mind ;  22 

And  rear’d  Amphitryo  to  the  fight ;  25 

But  he  who  rules  supreme  in  might 
Grafted  upon  the  parent  tree 
His  own  immortal  progeny  : 

For  when  in  brazen  armour  dight 

He  the  repulsed  Teleboans  slew,  30 

His  hall  th’  immortal  ruling  god. 

Robed  in  the  hero’s  likeness,  trod. 

Bearing  the  intrepid  seed  to  view 
Herculean — him  whose  youthful  bride, 

Fairest  among  the  goddess  train,  35 

Walks  by  the  genial  mother’s  side. 

Throughout  Olympus’  high  domain.  34 

Brief  my  song’s  limits  to  declare 
What  Argos  holds  of  good  and  fair ; 

And  hard  the  labour  to  control  40 

In  man  satiety  of  soul. 

But  the  well-chorded  lyre  awake. 

And  as  a  theme  the  wrestling  take. 

Oft  as  adjudged  the  brazen  prize 
Draws  crowds  to  Juno’s  sacrifice.  45 

Whence  Ulias’  son  twice  victor  bore 
Oblivion  of  his  labours  o’er.  45 

17  The  death  of  Amphiaraus,  which  stc>Ty  might  perhaps  be 
founded  on  some  vague  tradition  of  the  similar  fate  of  Korah, 
Dathan,  and  Abiram,  was  related  in  the  last  ode,  (1.  57,  et  seq.j 
23  The  cause  of  strife  between  Lynceus,  who  had  succeeded 
his  father-in-law  Adrastus,  and  Talaus,  the  father  of  Adrastus, 
was  related  in  Nem.,  ix.,  35,  et  seq. 

FIND. — T 


218 


PINDAR. 


At  Pytho,  from  the  Grecian  train 
Of  old  he  bore  the  meed  away. 

With  like  success  on  Nemea’s  plain  50 

He  strove,  and  in  the  Isthmian  fray, 

And  to  the  muses  gave  to  sow 

The  wreaths  that  should  adorn  his  brow. 

Three  the  sea’s  narrow  portals  yield, 

And  three  the  venerable  field  55 

That  owns  Adrastus’  sway. 

Oh  Jove  !  his  tongue  will  not  declare 
The  object  of  his  mental  prayer. 

Yet  never  with  a  slothful  heart 
Thy  grace  he  begs  thee  to  impart,  60 

Since  his  own  boldness  will  the  glory  share.  56 

Known  to  the  god  the  truths  I  sing : 

And  he  who  soars  on  venturous  wing, 

In  the  high  contest  to  prevail, 

Can  verify  o’er  all  my  tale.  65 

Pisa  the  highest  honour  claims, 

Alcides  rules  her  sacred  games. 

Him  the  sweet  intervals  of  song 
Have  twice  proclaim’d  in  Athens’  festal  throng. 

In  earth  concocted  by  the  flame,  70 

To  Juno’s  manly  people  came, 

The  sacred  olive’s  produce,  brought 
In  vessels  with  devices  wrought.  68 

Glories  thy  steps,  Thiaeus,  trace 

From  thy  maternal  uncles’  race,  75 

Whose  honours  make  the  Graces  fair 

And  high  Tyndaridae  their  care. 

Were  I  in  kindred’s  social  chain 
To  Thrasyclus  and  Antias  bound, 

57.  I.  e.,  He  is  not  so  presumptuous  as  openly  to  express  a 
wish  to  conquer  in  the  Olympic  games, 

71  Pindar  here  alludes  to  the  custom  of  carrying  before  the 
victor  at  the  Fanathenaic  games  a  sculptured  earthenware  vase, 
filled  with  oil  from  the  sacred  olive  tree. 


TENTH  NEMEAN  ODE. 


219 


Ill  Argos  never  would  I  deign  80 

To  hide  niy  free  looks  on  the  ground. 

How  many  triumphs  shed  renown 
On  PfCEtus’  steed-producing  town  ! 

As  well  in  Corinth’s  narrow  strand, 

As  four  times  o’er  the  Cleonaean  band.  79  85 

From  Sicyon  came  in  bright  array 
They  who  the  silver  bowls  convey ; 

And  from  Pellene’s  walls  in  vest 
Of  the  sheep’s  downy  softness  dress’d ; 

But  never  could  my  hasty  verse  90 

The  brazen  ornaments  rehearse, 

Since  to  complete  this  arduous  task 
Would  more  extended  leisure  ask  ; 

Which  near  the  altars  of  Lycaean  Jove 
Achaia’s  lofty  cities  place,  95 

While  Tegea  and  Clitorium  strove. 

The  first  in  speed  of  foot  and  strength  of  hand  to 
grace.  90 

To  Pamphaes  when  Castor  came, 

His  hospitable  board  to  shar^. 

And  first  in  pugilistic  fame  100 

His  brother  iPollux  tarried  there. 

No  wondering  doubts  the  mind  should  move 
That  athletes  they  by  nature  prove. 

Guardians  of  Sparta’s  wide  domain. 

With  Hercules’  and  Hermes’  aid,  105 

Since  they  the  contest’s  laws  maintain, 

Whose  bright  success  themselves  have  made ; 
And  ever  faithful  to  their  trust, 

The  race  divine  protect  the  just. 

Now  with  alternate  change  they  move,  110 
One  day  to  spend  with  Father  Jove, 

And  one  below  earth’s  secret  breast. 

Within  Therapne’s  cave  to  rest. 

1 10  See  the  conclusion  of  the  eleventh  Pythian  ode. 


220 


PINDAR. 


Fulfilling  thus  an  equal  fate  ; 

Since  Pollux,  scorning  to  remain,  115 

For  ever  vrith  the  heavenly  train, 

Sharingliis  much-loved  Castor’s  state, 
Redeem’d  his  life  in  battle  slain.  Ill 

Him  for  his  lost  herds  furious  made, 

Idas  transfix’d  with  deadly  stroke,  120 

Aim’d  by  his  spear  of  brazen  head. 

Whom,  seated  on  a  trunk  of  oak, 

He  from  Taigetus  survey’d,  whose  ken 
In  lynx-eyed  sharpness  conquer’d  mortal  men. 

Then  straight,  devising  deeds  of  might,  125 
Approach’d  with  rapid  step  and  light 
The  sons  of  Aphareus,  whom  heaven’s  high  sire 
Chastised  with  hands  that  sent  afflictions  dire ; 

For  Leda’s  offspring  swift  in  flight  pursued. 

While  near  their  father’s  tomb  the  brothers  stood ; 

And,  snatching  thence  a  polish’d  stone  131 
With  Pluto’s  efflgy  impress’d. 

They  aim’d  the  massy  fragment,  thrown 
With  force  that  stirr’d  not  Pollux’  breast, 

131  This  stone,  which  the  sons  of  Aphareus  hurl  with  such 
impotent  force  against  the  breast  of  Poliux,  was  perhaps  part  of 
the  decoration  of  a  stony  sepulchre,  not  a  statue,  for  this  was 
prior  to  the  age  of  statuary.  Sudorius,  in  his  metrical  para¬ 
phrase,  calls  it  a  funereal  or  deadly  stone : — 

“  Immane  saxum  funereum  manu 
Audace  vibravere  duri 
In  stomachum  medium  Laconis.” 

Theocritus,  who  relates  the  same  story  in  his  twenty-second 
idyllium,  calls  the  stone  araXav. 

The  passage  describing  the  vain  and  impious  attack  of  Idas 
is  thus  translated  by  Polwhele  : — 

“  Vindictive  of  his  brother’s  doom, 

He  tore  a  column  from  Aphareus’  tomb, 

Aiming  its  massy  vengeance  at  the  foe, 

XVith  wild  uplifted  arm,  in  act  to  throw ; 

Heaven’s  sovereign  lord  elanced  a  flaming  brand 
That  dash’d  the  shatter’d  marble  from  his  hand !” 


TENTH  NEMEAN  ODE 


221 


Nor  to  a  backward  step  could  move  135 

The  hero  who  with  deadly  blow 
Against  the  sides  his  javelin  drove, 

Impetuous  of  the  wary  foe  ; 

While  Jove  who  dwells  on  Ida’s  head 
Brandish’d  his  bolt  of  smoky  red,  140 

And  fired  the  hapless  pair. 

Mortals  in  arduous  strife  engage. 

Who  with  superior  force  to  wage 
Unequal  contest  dare.  136 

To  aid  his  fainting  brother’s  might  145 

Tyndarides  resumed  his  flighl ; 

And  found  him  not  subdued  by  death, 

But  gasping  out  his  fitful  breath. 

Then  pouring  forth  a  fervid  tide 
Of  tears,  with  mingled  sighs  he  cried,  150 
“  Saturnian  father !  what  relief 
Shall  terminate^  my  bitter  grief? 

The  stroke,  oh  king,  that  slays  my  friend 
At  thy  behest  on  me  descend  ! 

He  whom  the  social  train  have  left,  155 

Of  honour  is  at  once  bereft ; 

And  few  of  mortals  will  sustain 
A  faithful  share  in  others’  pain.”  147 

He  said — when  Jove  his  form  display’d, 

And  this  consoling  answer  made ;  ^  160 

“  Thou  art  my  son  ;  while  of  terrestrial  race 
He  to  a  hero  must  his  lineage  trace : 

Then  take  the  proffer’d  boon,  for  I 
Give  thee  detested  age  and  death  to  fly  : 

To  dwell  with  Pallas  on  Olympus’  height,  165 
And  Mars,  who  shakes  his  sable  spear  in  fight.  158 

This  choice  is  thine  :  but  if  the  strife 
Still  arm  thee  for  thy  brother’s  life, 

161  Pollux  and  Helen  were  the  reputed  children  of  Jupiter ; 
Castor  and  Clytemnestra  the  offspring  of  Tyndarus. 

T  2 


222 


PINDAR. 


And  strong  affection  move  thy  heart 
To  grant  of  all  an  equal  part,  170 

Beneath  the  earth  thy  half  breath  draw, 

And  by  the  same  impartial  law, 

Half  in  the  golden  domes  of  heaven.” 

’Twas  thus  the  immortal  father  spoke ; 

'  Nor  could  weak  doubts  his  mind  provoke  175 
To  slight  the  generous  offer  given. 

The  god  anew  the  eye  and  voice  unbound 
Of  Castor,  with  his  brazen  helmet  crown’d.  170 


L 


THE  ELEVENTH  NEMEAN  ODE. 


TO  ARISTAOORAS  THE  PRYTANIS  OP  TENEDOS,  SON  OP 

ARCESILAUS. 


ARGUMENT. 

In  this  ode  the  poet  supplicates  Vesta  to  receive  propitiously 
Aristagoras  and  his  colleagues,  who  were  entering  on  their 
annual  dignity  at  Tenedos. — Commends  him  on  account  of 
his  father  Arcesilaus,  his  own  beautiful  form  and  numerous 
triumphs,  blaming  his  parents,  whose  cautious  fears  would 
not  allow  him  to  engage  in  the  more  illustrious  Pythian  and 
Olympic  contests  —  Details  the  origin  of  the  victor’s  ancient 
family  from  Pisander  and  Melanippus ;  but  his  race  having 
been  for  a  time  obscured  and  inglorious,  he  concludes  the  ode 
with  reflections  on  human  vicissitudes,  exhorting  his  hero  to 
aim  at  attainable  objects. 


Hail,  Vesta,  Rhea’s  offspring !  thou  whose  care 
The  hearths  of  Prytanaean  mansions  share, 
Sister  of  Juno,  throned  on  high 
With  Jove  in  kindred  majesty — 

Let  Aristagoras  and  social  train  5 

A  friendly  welcome  entertain. 

Where  thine  illustrious  sceptred  sign  is  found, 

Who  guard  fair  Tenedos  and  thee  adore, 

Slay  the  fat  victims,  the  libations  pour. 

While  lyre  and  song,  thee,  first  of  gods,  resound ;  10 
And  at  the  constant  board  they  prove 
The  rites  of  hospitable  Jove. 

2  The  Prytanaeum  was  the  place  at  Athens  where  the  coun¬ 
cil  of  five  hundred  held  their  deliberations,  and  where  the  sacred 
fire  of  Vesta  was  kept — {miporanciov.)  In  this  part  of  the  city 
they  who  had  deserved  well  of  their  country  were  maintained 
at  the  public  charge. 


224 


PINDAR. 


May  they  with  heart  unwounded  still 
Their  annual  dignity  fulfil.  12 

But  I  the  joyful  song  will  raise  15 

In  his  great  sire  Arcesilaus  : 

That  beauteous  form  1  hail  with  glee, 

And  kindred  intrepidity. 

Let  him  with  rich  possessions  bless’d, 

Whose  form  excels  above  the  rest,  20 

Seen  in  the  varied  contests  bright 
With  glory  and  surpassing  might. 

Survey  his  frame  of  mortal  limbs  composed, 

Doom’d  at  the  last  to  be  in  common  earth  enclosed. 

’Tis  just  his  fellow-townsmen  should  proclaim  25 
In  words  and  varied  songs’  mellifluous  tone. 
Great  Aristagoras’  victorious  fame. 

For  sixteen  palms  from  neighb’ring  rivals  won. 
His  noble  country  these  with  high  renown 
In  the  pancratium  gain’d  and  wrestler’s  contest 
crown.  27  30 

But  their  son’s  might  the  parents’  sluggish  fear 
From  Pythian  and  Olympic  fields  restrain’d — 
Fix’d  in  my  sentiment,  I  firmly  swear. 

That  when  the  hero’s  footsteps  have  attain’d 
The  waters  of  Castalia’s  fount,  35 

And  Saturn’s  wood-encircled  mount. 

Again  he  seeks  his  native  land, 

More  honour’d  than  the  rival  band. 

Observes  the  laws,  a  frequent  guest 
Of  Hercules’  quinquennial  feast ;  40 

And  gayly  revelling  has  bound 
The  purple  boughs  his  hair  around.  37 

But  oft  through  empty-minded  boast 
Mortals  th’  expected  good  have  lost ; 

While  he  by  diffidence  oppress’d, 

Failing  of  bliss  he  once  possess’d, 


45 


ELEVENTH  NEMEAN  ODE. 


225 


Sudden  withdraws  his  backward  grasp, 

Nor  dares  in  mind  the  blessing  clasp. 

’Twere  easy  his  high  birth  to  trace 

From  old  Pisander’s  Spartan  race  ;  60 

For  hither  as  he  bent  his  course, 

He  from  Amyclae’s  walls  convey’d, 

With  bold  Orestes’  friendly  aid, 

His  brazen-arm’d  iEolian  force  ; 

And  by  his  mother  near  Ismenus’  flood  55 

From  Melanippus  drew  his  mingled  blood.  47 

Oft  since  their  pristine  strength  renew’d 
Shines  forth  in  after  times  vicissitude. 

Not  loaded  with  perpetual  grain,  ' 

The  fields  their  yellow  hue  retain  :  '  60 

Nor  trees  an  ample  harvest  bear 
Of  flowers  and  fruit  through  all  the  year; 

But  with  just  change — thus  equal  fate 
Man’s  faded  strength  can  renovate. 

No  sign  proceeding  from  above  65 

Makes  clear  the  fix’d  intent  of  Jove.  57 

But  swell’d  by  many  a  vain  desire. 

Too  high  our  mortal  thoughts  aspire  ; 

For  bound  in  hope’s  adhesive  chain. 

The  vital  energies  remain.  70 

The  foresight  of  the  human  mind 
By  narrow  limits  is  confined. 

Seek  not  unbounded  wealth — nor  prove 
The  raging  pangs  of  hopeless  love  !  63 


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THE  ISTHMIAN  ODES. 


1 


'•I  .f 


OF  THE  ISTHMIAN  GAMES. 


These  games  received  their  name  from  the  isthmus  of  Cor¬ 
inth,  the  scene  of  their  celebration.  The  traditional  account 
of  their  origin  is,  that  they  were  instituted  by  Sisyphus,  king 
of  Corinth,  and  brother  of  Athamas,  B.  C.  1326,  to  commemo¬ 
rate  the  metamorphosis  of  Melicerta,  son  of  Athamas  and  Ino, 
into  a  sea  deity,  named  afterward  Palsemon  by  the  Greeks,  and 
Portumnus  by  the  Latins,  whom  his  mother  had  in  her  phrensy 
thrown  with  herself  into  the  sea  ;  after  which  the  name  of  Ino 
was  changed  to  Leucothea.  (See  the  opening  of  the  eleventh 
Pythian  ode.)  Melicerta  was  saved  from  death  by  the  Nereids, 
one  of  whom  appeared  to  Sisyphus,  and  enjoined  him  to  insti¬ 
tute  games  in  order  to  commemorate  this  event.  They  were 
sacred  to  Neptune,  as  the  01yn;pic  were  to  Jupiter,  the  Pythian 
to  Apollo,  and  the  Nemean  to  Hercules.  Some  time  after  their 
first  celebration  they  were  interrupted  by  the  incursion  into 
Greece  of  a  band  of  robbers,  headed  by  the  fierce  and  cruel 
Sciris  and  Scyron;  but  at  length  Theseus,*  son  of  .dEgeus, 
cleared  the- country  of  these  marauders,  who  terrified  strangers 
from  being  present  at  these  games,  and  reinstituted  them  about 
B.  C.  1220.  He  changed  the  time  of  their  celebration  from 
night  to  day,  and  they  were  held  after  an  interval  of  three  years. 
(See  Nem.,  vi.,  69.)  Every  kind  of  combat  was  exhibited  at 
these  games,  and  the  reward  of  the  victor  at  first  consisted  of  a 
wreath  of  pine  leaves,  which  was  afterward  changed  to  parsley, 
as  being  a  funereal  plant,  and  therefore  more  appropriate  to 
games  instituted  in  honour  of  the  drowned  Melicerta.  The  Co¬ 
rinthians  originally  presided  at  them  ;  but  on  the  c^ture  of 
Corinth  by  Mummius,  A.  C.  146,  this  honourable  office  was 
transferred  to  the  Sicyonians.  Afterward,  however,  it  was  re¬ 
stored  to  the  Corinthians,  and  enjoyed  by  them  as  long  as  the 
celebration  of  these  games  continued.  It  is  to  them  that  St. 
Paul  so  finely  alludes  ;  (1  Cor.,  ix.,  24-27.) 

*  This  and  other  exploits  of  a  similar  nature  performed  by 
Theseus  are  mentioned  by  Ovid  ;  (Met.,  vii.,  433,  &c.) 

“  Great  Theseus  !  thee  the  Marathonian  plain 
Admires,  and  wears  with  pride  the  noble  stain 
Of  the  dire  monster’s  blood,  by  valiant  Theseus  slain.” 

Tate's  version. 


THE  FIRST  ISTHMIAN  ODE. 


TO  HERODOTUS  OF  THEBES,  VICTOR  IN  THE  CHARIOT 

RACE. 

ARGUMENT. 

The  poet,  having  laid  aside  the  task  which  he  had  on  hand,  de¬ 
clares  his  wish;  to  compose  an  ode  to  the  conqueror  Herod¬ 
otus,  after  the  example  of  Castor  and  lolaus,  in  praise  of 
whom  he  digresses. — Justice  of  celebrating  the  victor’s  tri¬ 
umphs,  which  are  recorded  in  the  remaining  part  of  the  ode. 


Oh  mother,  Thebes  with  golden  shield. 

My  theme  shall  to  thy  glory  yield. 

Let  rocky  Delos  not  disdain, 

For  whom  I  late  have  pour’d  the  strain. 

Aught  happier  can  the  virtuous  prove  5 

Than  venerated  parents’  love  1 
Bless’d  by  Apollo’s  fostering  care,  < 

Resign,  oh  isle,  thine  envied  place. 

With  the  gods’  aid,  a  double  grace 

To  happy  issue  will  I  bear.  10 

Hymning  the  unshorn  Phoebus’  might. 

Round  Ceos  where  the  waters  flow, 

And  Isthmus,  that  with  giant  height 
Uprears  her  ocean-girded  brow.  11 

Since  on  the  brave  Cadmaean  band  15 

Six  chaplets  his  victorious  arm 
Bestow’d,  to  grace  his  native  land 

With  conquering  valour’s  brightest  charm. 
Alcmena  there  in  days  of  yore 
Her  own  intrepid  offspring  bore  ;  20 

Him  whom  Geryon’s  monsters  bold 
With  terror  shudder’d  to  behold. 

FIND. — u 


230 


PINDAR. 


But  1  who  the  bright  meed  prepare, 

Herodotus,  to  grace  thy  car, 

Who  with  no  foreign  hands’  control  25 

Thy  four  steeds  urgest  to  the  gaol, 

The  Castorean  hymn  would  raise. 

Or  song  in  lolaus’  praise ; 

For  they  who  the  triumphant  chariot  drove. 

In  Thebes  and  Sparta  born,  all  heroes  rank’d  above. 

First  in  the  numerous  contests,  they  31 

Adorn’d  their  halls  with  tripods  rare, 

With  golden  caldrons,  goblets  fair. 

And  bore  the  victor’s  wreaths  away. 

In  naked  stadia  shines  their  valour  clear,  35 

As  in  the  armed  course,  whence  sounds  the  martial 
spear.  32 

And  when  they  whirl’d  the  dart  on  high. 

Or  gave  the  stony  disk  to  fly — 

For  yet  no  crown  pentathlic  gain’d. 

Each  deed  its  due  success  obtain’d.  40 

Their  locks  with  frequent  chaplets  bound, 

Erst  in  these  contests  won. 

Where  Dirce’s  streams  refresh  the  ground. 

And  near  Eurotas’  wave  was  found 

Iphicles’  noble  son ;  45 

Who  to  the  earth-sown  Theban  race 
Could  his  illustrious  lineage  trace. 

And  Tyndarus’,  whose  loved  retreat 
Was  in  Thjprapne’s  high  Achaean  seat.  43 

All  hail !  while  I  compose  the  song,  50 

Whose  strains  to  Neptune’s  power  belong. 
That  rules  the  sacred  Isthmian  band, 

Protector  of  the  Onchestian  strand. 

5J  Onchestus  was  a  maritime  region  of  Boeotia,  consecrated 
to  Neptune.  It  is  here  put  for  the  Copiac  lake,  or  any  part  of 
the  neighbouring  country.  Heyne  remarks  that  it  is  customary 
with  Pindar  to  celebrate  at  the  same  time  the  victor,  the  game 


FIRST  ISTHMIAN  ODE. 


231 


Connected  with  this  hero’s  name, 

Will  I  his  sire  Asopodorus’  fame,  55 

And  thy  paternal  soil,  Orchonienos,  proclaim.  51 

Propp’d  bn  a  wreck  that  ’scaped  the  boundless  wave, 
A  refuge  from  his  dire  mischance  she  gave ; 

And  now  once  more  congenial  fate 
Has  raised  him  to  his  ancient  state ;  60 

While  prudence  arms  his  mind  to  bear 
The  heavy  load  of  adverse  care. 

But  if  to  purchase  valour’s  meed. 

Expense  and  toil  must  crown  the  deed, 

Ne’er  should  the  victor’s  praise  be  sung  65 
By  an  unjust  and  envious  tongue.  61 

The  poet’s  recompense  is  light 
His  various  labours  to  requite  ; 

Who  by  the  honest  meed  of  praise 
A  common  monument  will  raise.  70 

To  mortal  toils  of  various  kind 
Are  sweet  but  different  gifts  assign’d. 

The  fowler,  he  that  tends  his  sheep, 

Who  tills  the  soil,  or  ploughs  the  deep. 

All  by  laborious  efforts  strive  75 

Hunger’s  dire  pest  away  to  drive. 

But  he  whose  valour  in  the  fight. 

Or  contests  of  superior  might. 

Hath  borne  the  splendid  prize  away. 

Shall  hear  his  panegyric  sung  80 

By  citizens’  and  strangers’  tongue. 

And  gain  of  highest  worth  convey.  75 

Be  mine  the  task  with  loud  acclaim 
Saturn’s  earth-shaking  son  to  name, 

in  which  he  conquered,  and  the  god  who  particularly  presided 
over  it.  It  appears  that  the  father  of  Herodotus  had  been  ex¬ 
pelled  from  Tnebes  in  a  civil  commotion,  and  banished  to  Or- 
chomenos. 


232 


PINDAR. 


Whose  near  protecting  godhead  leads  85 

The  chariot  with  its  rapid  steeds. 

And  thine,  Amphitryo,  to  address 
Euboea,  Minya’s  green  recess, 

Ceres’  famed  Eleusinian  grove. 

Along  whose  winding  course  the  chariots  move.  82 

With  these,  Protesilaus,  I  combine,  91 

Rear’d  by  the  Greeks  in  Phylace  thy  shrine : 

But  to  recount  what  numerous  meeds 

Herodotus’  triumphant  steeds 

From  Hermes,  patron  of  the  games,  95 

Have  won,  more  ample  limit  claims 

Than  bounds  my  narrow  hymn — the  mind 

In  silence  greater  bliss  can  find.  89 

Let  him  on  lofty  pinions  soar 
Of  the  Pierian  vocal  band,  100 

With  choice  boughs  pluck’d  from  Pytho’s  store, 
And  where  flows  on  Olympia’s  shore 
Alpheus,  let  him  fill  his  hand. 

So  shall  his  triumphs  with  renown  ^ 

Thebes  of  the  seven  high  portals  crown.  105 

But  he  who  nourishes  a  soul 

That  hopes  of  secret  wealth  control. 

Thinks  not,  while  others  are  his  scorn. 

How  his  inglorious  life  to  Pluto  speeds  forlorn.  100 

I 

92  Phylace  was  a  town  in  Thessaly,  where  Protesilaus 
reigned,  and  where  funeral  games  were  celebrated  at  his  tomb. 


THE  SECOND  ISTHMIAN  ODE. 


TO  XENOCRATES  OF  AGRIGENTUM,  SON  OF  ARCESILAUS,  VIC* 
,  TOR  IN  THE  HORSE  RACE. 

ARGUMENT. 

Pindar  addresses  this  ode  to  Thrasybulus,  son  of  the  conqueror 
Xenocrates. — This  he  professes  to  do  after  the  example  of  the 
old  poets,  who  did  not  write,  as  was  now  done,  urged  by  the 
sordid  incitement  of  gain. — The  triumphs  of  Xenocrates,  his 
ancestor  ./Enesidamus,  and  his  charioteer  Nicomachus  are 
sung,  and  Nicasippus  is  charged  with  the  safe  conveyance  of 
this  ode,  sent  in  the  form  of  an  epistle. 


Oft  have  the  men  of  other  days 
From  the  gold-netted  muses’  car, 

Oh  Thrasybulus  I  hurl’d  afar 
The  lyre’s  soft-sounding  notes,  to  praise 
Youth’s  ardent  prime,  that  harbinger  most  sweet  5 
Of  Venus  throned  upon  her  lofty  seat. 

For  then,  not  amorous  of  gain,  ' 

The  muse  sent  forth  no  venal  strain — 

The  honey’d  lays  not  then,  as  now. 

From  sweet  Terpsichore  that  flow,  10 

Upon  the  shining  front  display’d 
The  silver  emblem  of  their  trade.  14 

Now  she  suggests  with  heedful  care 
The  Argive’s  words  in  mind  to  bear  ; 

14  These  words  are  attributed  by  the  scholiast  to  Aristode- 
mus  the  Lacedaemonian,  whose  constant  doctrine  it  was  tnat 
wealth  was  always  to  be  sought,  and  that  poverty  could  never 
be  honourable.  This  saying  afterward  passed  into  a  proverb, 
like  Horace’s 

“  O  cives,  cives,  quaerenda  pecunia  primum, 

Virtus  post  nummos.” 

U2  ■ 


234 


PINDAR. 


Who  with  loud  speech  to  truth  allied,  15 

Importunate  for  money  cried, 

Bereft  of  all  his  wealth  and  friends, 

I  sing  to  one  who  comprehends. 

To  him  when  on  the  Isthmian  field 
Neptune  the  triumph  deign’d  to  yield,  20 

And  bound  his  coursers’  flowing  mane 
With  Doric  parsley’s  verdant  chain, 

In  his  victorious  chariot  bright 
He  honour’d  Agrigentum’s  light.  25 

Him  too,  engaged  in  Crisa’s  fray,  95 

Beheld  the  potent  god  of  day, 

And  gave  him  glory  therff> 

While  old  Erectheus’  noble  race 
Adorn’d  his  brow  with  verdant  grace 

In  Athens’  city  fair.  30 

Nor  would  he  blame  the  proud  career 
Of  his  steed-urging  charioteer, 

Nicomachus,  whose  hands  control 

The  reins  that  guide  him  to  the  goal.  33  ' 

Him  too  supreme  in  conquering  pow’r,  35 
The  heralds  of  th’  Olympic  hour. 

Priests  who  to  Jove  libations  bring, 

(Elean  and  Saturnian  king,) 

Sharing  the  hospitable  feast, 

With  gratuiating  voice  address’d;  40 

As  he  fell  prostrate  at  the  knee 
Of  golden-imaged  Victory. 

Around  their  land,  which  they  the  grove 
Designate  of  Olympian  Jove ;  41 

There,  with  immortal  honours  crown^  45 

uEnesidamus’  offspring  shone ; 

41  We  may  imagine  an  image  of  Victory  in  a  sitting  posture 
to  be  placed  at  the  extremity  of  the  goal ,  into  whose  bosom,  as 
it  were,  the  victor  would  rush  after  having  completed  his  courses. 
(See  Nem.,  v,,  81,  &c.) 


SECOND  ISTHMIAN  ODE. 


235 


For  in  thy  halls  the  revel’s  sound, 

Oh  Thrasybulus !  oft  is  found, 

And  all  the  pomp’s  enlivening  tone; 

Since  no  steep  hill,  no  rugged  way  50 

Rears  its  opposing  front  on  high. 

Where  bards  to.  noble  mansions  stray, 

The  honour’d  guerdons  to  convey 
Of  Heliconian  poesy. 

Far  must  my  venturous  javelin  move  55 

Ere  I  could  reach  the  height  of  fame. 

Where  soars  Xenocrates  above 
The  rest  in  nature  as  in  name.  54 

View’d  by  the,  citizens  with  awe. 

He  train’d  his  coursers  by  the  Grecian  law ;  60 

Frequenting  at  each  solemn  feast 
The  liberal  tables  of  the  bless ’d. 

Nor  ever  has  the  flagging  gale 
Straiten’d  his  hospitable  sail, 

That  pass’d  in  summer  hour  to  Phasis  o’er,  65 
In  winter  veer’d  to  Nilus’  southern  shore.  62 

Not  now,  when  thoughts  with  envy  blind, 

Hang  darkling  o’er  the  mortal  mind, 

His  father’s  valour  let  him  hide, 

Nor  pass  these  hymns  in  silent  pride ;  70 

Since,  unrecited  to  remain, 

I  framed  not  the  triumphant  strain. 

Such,  Nicasippus,  be  thine  errand  home, 

W'hen  thou  to  my  familiar  host  art  come.  69 

65  These  lines  are  explained  by  the  scholiast  as  a  figurative 
“description  of  the  unbounded  hospitality  of  Xenocrates,  which 
afforded  a  shelter  to  guests  of  the  most  remote  regions. 


THE  THIRD  ISTHMIAN  ODE. 


TO  MELISSUS  OF  THEBES,  VICTOR  IN  THE  QUADRIGAE. 

ARGUMENT. 

The  poet  in  this  short  ode  declares  that  illustrious  deeds  ought 
to  be  celebrated  by  poetical  praises,  such  as  are  due  to  the 
present  Isthmian,  and  the  former  Nemean  victory  achieved  by 
Melissus,  by  which  he  emulates  the  deedsof  his  ancestors. 


Whoe’er  of  men  with  bliss  is  crown’d, 

Or  in  the  glorious  strife  renown’d, 

-  Or  can  in  potent  wealth  rejoice, 

And  mental  insolence  restrain. 

This  man  is  worthy  to  obtain 
The  citizens’  applauding  voice. 

From  thee,  oh  Jove !  to  man  below 
Success  and  valiant  efforts  flow. 

They  who  revere  thy  sacred  name 
A  greater  happiness  may  claim. 

But  not  to  wayward  minds  secure 
Through  life  that  fortune  will  endure. 

Fair  actions'  due  rewards  await ; 

The  good  ’tis  just  to  celebrate ; 

Just  too  the  victor’s  name  to  raise  15 

With  solemn  pomp  and  liberal  praise : 

While  twofold  victories  impart 
Sweet  transport  to  Melissus’  heart. 

First  in  the  wooded  Isthmian  dell, 

The  wreaths  of  triumph  he  obtain’d,  20 

In  the  deep-breasted  lion’s  cell. 

Proclaiming  Thebes,  th’  equestrian  crown  he  gain’d. 

His  glorious  deeds  will  not  disgrace 
The  kindred  valour  of  his  race. 


THIRD  ISTHMIAN  ODE. 


237 


Full  well  ye  know  what  ancient  fame  25 

Cleonymus’  triumphant  chariots  claim 
Through  Labdacus’  illustrious  line 
Their  source  his  sires  maternal  trace, 

And  with  ancestral  riches  shine,  ^ 

Devoting  their  heroic  life  30 

To  the  four  steeds’  laborious  strife : 

While  fleeting  scenes  by  turns  engage 
This  ever-varying  mortal  stage. 

Uninjured  by  the  shocks  of  time. 

The  gods’  bless’d  children  dwell  sublime.  31  35 


THE  FOURTH  ISTHMIAN  ODE. 


TO  THE  SAME  MELISSUS. 

ARGUMENT. 

This  ode  begins  with  the  praises  of  Melissus’  ancestors,  and 
relates  the  melancholy  consequences  of  a  defeat  sustained  by 
his  family  ;  whose  good  fortune,  however,  again  shone  forth  in 
this  triumph  gained  by  Melissus. — The  panegyric  of  his  ances¬ 
tors  and  of  himself  is  resumed,  and  continued  with  digression 
to  the  story  of  Ajax  and  Ulysses,  Hercules  and  Antaeus,  &c. — 
Apotheosis  of  Hercules,  and  divine  honours  paid  him  by  the 
yearly  sacrifices  of  the  Thebans. — The  ode  concludes  with 
the  praise  of  Melissus  and  his  charioteer  Orseas. 


Bless’d  by  the  gods,  to  me  belong 
A  thousand  avenues  of  song ; 

Thy  triumphs  in  the  Isthmian  field, 

'  Melissus,  fair  occasion  yield 

The  hymn  of  victory  to  frame  5 

That  all  thy  virtues  shall  proclaim  ; 

With  which  the  god  delights  to  grace 
Through  life  Cleonymus’  high  race ; 

While  by  the  ever-varying  blast 

Mankind  are  still  at  random  cast.  10  10 

For  they  at  Thebes  with  honour  crown’d, 

From  times  of  ancient  date  were  said 
To  be  the  hosts  of  all  around. 

And  free  from  strife’s  discordant  sound, 

By  every  deed  to  make  their  own  15 

What  tests  of  glory  wide  had  flown 
Among  the  living  or  the  dead. 

Brave  in  the  valour  of  their  race. 

They  touch’d  at  the  remotest  land. 

Where  the  Herculean  pillars  stand :  20 

Nor  let  ambition  ask  an  ampler  space.  22 


FOURTH  ISTHMIAN  ODE. 


239 


They  loved  to  train  the  generous  steeds, 

While  brazen  Mars  approved  their  deeds. 

But  in  the  course  of  one  short  day 

The  rough  and  sanguine  cloud  of  war  25 
Four  heroes  had  impell’d  away 
From  their  deserted  hearth  afar  ; 

And  now,  the  wintry  darkness  o’er, 

Soon  as  the  vernal  months  succeed, 

Serene  they  flourish  as  before  ;  .  30 

Thus  crimson  roses  cover  o’er. 

At  Heaven’s  behest,  the  alter’d  mead.  32 

While  he,  the  earth-disturbing  god. 

Who  makes'  Onchestus  his  abode, 

And  the  sea  bridge  that  bids  the  tide  35 

From  Corinth’s  walls  at  distance  glide — 
Granting  this  hymn  their  noble  race 
With  wondrous  potency  to  grace. 

Sings  their  high  deeds,  whose  loud  acclaim 
Wakes  from  her  couch  primeval  fame.  40 
Aroused,  her  fair  form  glows  with  splendour  bright, 
As  mid  the  other  stars  shines  Phosphor’s  nobler 
light.  41 

She  who  in  Athens’  verdant  field 
Proclaim’d  the  triumphs  of  his  car. 

And  bade  the  bards  of  Sicyon  wield  45 

Their  vocal  lyres,  to  tell  afar 
W’hat  wreaths  the  Adrastean  contests  yield. 

34  See  note  on  ode  i.,  53.  By  the  sea  bridge  in  the  next  verse 
is  to  be  understood  the  isthmus  of  Corinth,  which  Claudian  de¬ 
scribes  in  similar  terms  :  (de  Bel.  Get.  188  :) — 

“  Vallata  mari  Scironia  rupes, 

Et  duo  continue  connectens  aequora  muro 
Isthmus.” 

So  Ovid  :  (Med.  Jasoni,  104  ;) — 

“  Quique  maris  gemini  distinet  isthmos  aquas  V* 

(See  Nem.,  vi.,  65.) 


240 


PINDAR. 


They  when  the  whole  assembly  strove, 

Like  them  their  crooked  chariot  drove ; 
Contending  with  the  Grecian  train  50 

Whose  costly  steeds  the  palm  should  gain.  50 

While  they  in  contest  never  shown, 

Are  pass’d  with  silence  and  unknown. 

Obscure  their  fate,  too,  who  contend 
Ere  they  attain  the  wish’d-for  end, 

And  this  their  glorious  toils  bestow. 

Oft  the  superior  in  the  fray 
Has  seen  his  guerdon  snatched  away 
By  fraud  of  some  inferior  foe. 

Ye  know  that  Ajax’  deadly  might 
By  his  own  sword  at  dead  of  night 
Cut  off  untimely,  reprehension  bore 
To  Hellas’  sons,  who  sought  the  Trojan  shore. 

But  Homer’s  songs  with  honour  grace 
Him  among  men  of  warlike  race  ;  65 

Those  strains  divine  his  valour  raise, 

Heralds  of  after  ages’  praise : 

For  this  immortal  sound  proceeds 
When  bards  proclaim  triumphant  deeds  ; 

While  through  the  fruitful  earth  and  main  70 
This  beam  its  deathless  splendour  shall  maintain. 

Propitious  be  the  muses’  care  I 
As  we  the  torch  of  song  illume. 

And  to  Telesia’s  offspring  bear, 

Melissus  brave,  the  chaplet  fair,  75 

Worthy  upon  the  victor’s  brow  to  bloom. 

56  I  have  adopted  Heyne’s  conjectural  emendation  of  rovro 
and  kXcos  instead  of  the  common  reading  rmbt  and  TeXoj,  from 
which  I  think  none  but  a  weak  sense  can  be  elicited. 

65  The  remarkable  expression  of  the  original,  Kara  j>a^hov 
e<ppa(T£v,  probably  means  nothing  more  than  that  Homer  deliv¬ 
ered  his  rhapsodies  in  a  consecutive' series  of  lines.  See  the 
opening  of  the  second  Nemean  ode.  Sudorius’  paraphrase  js 
opere  expolitor. 


55 

60 

62 


FOURTH  ISTHMIAN  ODE. 


241 


His  mind,  by  labour  unsubdued, 

Rivals  the  roaring  lion’s  might, 

Or  like  the  fox  in  crafty  mood, 

That  stays  the  whirling  eagle’s  flight.  80 

’Tis  just  the  foe’s  imperious  will 
B}"  force  to  conquer  or  to  foil  by  skill.  81 

For  not  to  him  Orion’s  fame  ^ 

Had  been  assign’d  by  partial, fate.  84 

Though  moan  to  view,  with  ponderous  weight 
Fell  from  his  arm  the  massive  spear. 

Erst  to  Antaeus’  mansion  came 
From  Thebes  to  fertile  Libya’s  land. 

Of  stature  short,  but  dauntless  soul, 

He  that  should  struggle  to  control  90 

The  bloody  monster’s  fierce  career. 

Who  could  delight  with  savage  hand 
The  fane  of  Neptune  to  adorn 
With  scalps  from  hapless  strangers  torn, 
Alcmena’s  son — who  took  his  flight  95 

Up  to  Olympus’  sacred  height. 

Exploring  earth,  and  through  the  hoary  wave 
To  mariners  a  tranquil  passage  gave.  98 

Now  by  the  aegis-bearing  god 

In  bliss  he  holds  his  fair  abode  100 

With  Hebe  his  celestial  bride. 

Honour’d  and  graced  by  love  divine. 

King  of  the  domes  with  gold  that  shine. 

And  to  heaven’s  queen  in  filial  bonds  allied. 

To  him  above  th’  Electran  gates  105 

The  new-constructed  altars  rise  ; 

On  him  the  genial  banquet  waits, 

With  all  the  pomp  of  sacrifice. 

His  shrine  we  citizens  surround 

With  the  eight  lifeless  bodies  crown’d,  110 

Who  by  the  sword  there  slaughter’d  lie, 

Alcides  hapless  progeny. 

Whom  Megara,  great  Creon’s  daughter,  bore.  109 

FIND. — X 


242 


PINDAR. 


To  them,  when  sets  the  solar  beam, 

The  rising  fire’s  continual  gleam  1 15 

Is  given  night’s  darkness  to  explore  ; 

While  lambent  smoke’s  thick  volumes  rear 
Its  fumes  of  incense  through  the  air.  113 

The  deed  of  strength,  the  second  day 
Still  terminates  the  annual  fray  :  120 

Where  round  this  victor’s  honour’d  brow 
Chaplets  of  pallid  myrtle  glow  ; 

Rewarding  past  and  present  fame, 

Which  boyhood’s  threefold  triumphs  claim. 

In  his  skill’d  driver  he  confides,  125 

Who,  steersman-like,  the  chariot  guides. 

Him,  then,  with  Orseas  will  I  praise. 

Distilling  grace  from  my  mellifluous  lays.  124 


THE  FIFTH  ISTHMIAN  ODE. 


TO  PHYLACIDES  OF  JEGINA,  VICTOR  IN  THE  PANCRATIUM. 


ARGUMENT. 

This  ode  opens  with  an  invocation  to  Thia ;  who,  according 
to  the  ancient  theogony,  was  the  mother  of  the  Sun,  Moon, 
and  Aurora. — Under  this  name  the  poet  designates  glory  and 
renown ;  for  the  sake  of  which  men  achieve  the  most  illus¬ 
trious  deeds. — He  then  makes  a  transition  to  the  victor,  with 
a  digression  commemorating  the  heroes  of  .^gina. — Then  to 
the  battle  of  Salamis. — Returns  to  Phylacides,  and  concludes 
by  the  praise  of  Pytheas,  his  alipta :  (the  person  whose  of¬ 
fice  it  was  to  train  and  anoint  the  combatants  for  the 
games.) 


Illustrious  mother  of  the  solar  beam, 

Mankind,  bright  Thia,  for  thy  sake  esteem 
The  first  of  metals,  all-subduing  gold ; 

And  ships,  oh  queen  !  that  struggle  in  the  deep. 
With  car-yoked  coursers  o’er  the  plain  that  sweep. 
To  honour  thee,  the  wondrous  contests  hold.  6 
Through  thee  in  every  warlike  game 
Heroes  the  frequent  meed  of  fame 
Achieve,  whose  hair  the  wreath  around. 

By  strength  or  swiftness  won,  is  bound.  10 
When  two  events  propitious  meet. 

They  make  the  span  of  life  most  sweet, 

1  Pindar,  in  this  magnificent  exordium,  addresses  Thia, 
the  goddess  of  splendour,  and,  according  to  Hesiod,  cited  by 
the  scholiast,  the  mother,  by  Hyperion,  of  Sol,  Luna,  and  Au¬ 
rora.  By  this  invocation  he  intimates  the  glory  of  the  iEgi- 
netans,  to  whose  exertions  in  the  battle  of  Salamis  the  victory 
over  the  Persian  fleet  was  mainly  attributable.  (See  1,  56, 
et.  seq.) 


244 


PINDAR. 


If  any  combatant  success 
And  fair  report  united  bless.  17 

Then  seek  not  Jove’s  immortal  state,  15 

Since  thine  is  all  this  prosperous  fate. 

Mortals  in  mortal  thoughts  should  rest. 

The  Isthmian  plain  and  Nemea’s  fray 
To  thee,  Phylacides,  convey 
Their  double  wreaths,  and  Pytho’s  day,  20 
Whose  heroes  the  pancratium’s  meed  contest. 

But  hymns  shall  never  touch  my  heart 
If  iEacus  receive  no  part. 

To  this  fair  city  have  I  come. 

Which  law  and  justice  make  their  home,  25 
To  Lampo’s  offspring,  by  the  muses’  aid. 

Envy  not  him  whose  foot  proceeds 
In  the  pure  path  of  heavenly  deeds. 

If  by  a  mingled  song  his  labours  are  repaid.  31 

Brave  warriors  of  heroic  race ,  -  30 

Ere  now  have  won  the  meed  of  fame. 

Whom  harps  and  sounding  flutes  proclaim 
Victors  through  lengthen’d  ages’  space ; 
Affording  to  the  vocal  train, 

From  Jove,  high  matter  for  their  strain.  35 
Th’  equestrian  chaplet  lolaus  gain’d 
At  Thebes,  in  Argos  Perseus’  skill  obtain’d ; 

And  where  the  waters  of  Eurotas  flow 
Castor  and  Pollux’  spear  dealt  the  triumphant 
blow.  43 

But  in  jEnone’s  island  bright  40 

Th’  iEacidae’s  high  natures  shone. 

They  by  whose  conquering  arms  in  fight 
Twice  were  the  Trojan  walls  o’erthrown. 

31  The  metaphor  in  this  line  is  repeated  with  greater  am¬ 
plification  in  the  opening  of  the  aiext  ode,  addressed  to  the 
same  hero. 


FIFTH  ISTHMIAN  ODE. 


245 


First  tracking  Hercules’  career, 

Then  ranged  beneath  th’  Atridae’s  spear.  45 
Now  urge  thy  chariot  o’er  the  plain, 

And  say  by  whom  was  Cycnus  slain; 

By  whom  great  Hector?  tell  whose  blade 
In  death  the  fearless  Memnon  laid, 

Chief  of  the  ^Ethiopian  ranks,  50 

Who  by  his  spear’s  impetuous  force 
Arrested  Telephus’  bold  course. 

And  smote  him  near  Caicus’  banjos  ? 

To  them  ^gina’s  beauteous  isle 

Report  assigns  the  native  soil.  56  55 

That  tower  was  built  in  ancient  time, 

To  which  their  virtues  soar  sublime  : 

Sounding  their  praise,  my  fluent  tongue 
Can  hurl  full  many  a  dart  of  song. 

And  now  shall  Ajax’  city  prove  60 

A  witness  in  the  dire  aftray ; 

Fair  Salamis,  whose  seamen  strove 
In  the  destructive  shower  of  Jove 
The  deadly  hail  of  countless  hosts  to  stay.  64 

But  let  forgetful  Silence  veil  65 

In  her  cold  dews  the  boasting  tale  ; 

For  Jove,  the  lord  of  all,  at  will 
Directs  alike  the  good  and  ill. 

These  honours,  gain’d  by  each  triumphant  deed. 
Delight  to  win  the  poet’s  honey’d  meed.  70 

Let  him  who  labours  to  this  end 
Like  Cleonicus’  race  contend : 

Never  in  dark  oblivion’s  shade 
.  The  heroes’  lengthen’d  toils  shall  fade  ; 

Nor  care  distract  the  mind  that  views  75 

What  cost  the  wish’d-for  palm  pursues.  74 

Now  Pytheas’  praise  demands  the  strain, 

Who  foremost  in  th’  athletic  train 
x2 


246 


PINDAR. 


With  dexterous  arm  and  mind  as  free 
Directs  the  blows  to  victory.  80 

Then  for  his  temples  weave  the  crown, 

"'To  him  the  woolly  chaplet  bear, 

The  winged  strain  of  high  renown. 

As  to  Phylacides,  prepare.  74 


THE  SIXTH  ISTHMIAN  ODE. 


TO  THE  SAME  PHYLACIDES,  AND  TO  HIS  MATERNAL 
UNCLE  EUTHYMENES. 


ARGUMENT. 

Pindar  begins  this  ode  with  the  praises  of  the  victor,  with 
which  he  combines  the  expression  of  his  good  wishes. — Di¬ 
gresses  to  the  fabulous  story  of  Telamon  and  his  son  Aiax ;  for 
whom  Hercules  had  ofiered  up  his  prayers  and  consulted  the 
auguries. — Concludes  with  celebrating  the  triumphs  of  his 
relations  and  townsmen  of  the  same  tribe. 


As  at  the  hospitable  board 
With  flourishing  profusion  stored. 

We  mix  the  second  cup  of  lays 
To  Lampo’s  valiant  offspring’s  praise ; 

In  Nemea’s  field  the  first  best  crown  5 

Received,  oh  Jove !  we  make  thine  own. 

And  now  upon  the  Isthmian  plain 
To  Neptune  with  his  Nereid  train 
Phylaeides’  bright  palms  entwine. 

Youngest  of  that  heroic  line.  10 

And  may  the  third  libation  flow 
To  him  who  guards  Olympus’  heights. 

While  on  JGgina  we  bestow 
Mellifluous  poesy’s  delights.  13 

For  he  that  by  expense  and  toil  15 

Erects  his  virtues’  heavenly  pile 
Beholds  the  much-loved  glory  shine. 

Fair  progeny  of  root  divine  : 

And  honour’d  by  th’  immortal  train, 

E’en  now  his  anchor  casts,  th’  extreme  of  bliss  to 
gain.  20 


248 


.  PINDAR. 


Versed  in  these  arts,  the  hour  of  fate 
Will  Cleonicus’  offspring  wait, 

Patient  till  hoary  age  shall  come. 

The  guide  to  Pluto’s  dreary  home  ; 

While  Clotho  on  her  lofty  seat,  25 

And  her  dread  sisters,  I  entreat 
The  friendly  hero’s  life  to  bless, 

And  crown  his  wishes  with  success.  26 

jEacidae,  who  shine  afar. 

Refulgent  in  your  golden  car, 

The  plain  injunction  I  declare 
When  to  this  isle  my  steps  repair. 

To  sprinkle  her  illustrious  name 
With  dews  of  honourable  fame: 

Since  in  long  line  a  thousand  ways 
Extends  his  fair  deeds’  ample  praise  ; 

Beyond  where  Nilus’  waters  flow, 

Or  realms  of  Hyperborean  snow. 

Nor  can  a  city  e’er  be  found 
So  rude  and  barbarous  of  tongue 
Where  Peleus’  glory  is  not  sung. 

Whom  in  bless’d  filial  ties  th’  immortals  bound ; 

Where  Telamonian  Ajax’  name 
And  his  great  sire  excites  no  fame. 

Whom  led,  in  brazen  armour  dight,  45 

With  his  Tirynthians  to  the  fight. 

Of  Troy  the  bold  and  prompt  ally, 

(That  heroes’  scourge,  whose  valiant  host 
Laomedon  by  treach’ry  lost,) 

In  ships  Alcrnena’s  progeny.  50 

With  him  the  citadel  o’erthrew, 

And  the  vast  Coan  nations  slew. 

And  him  who  fed  his  fleecy  train 
Like  some  huge  mount  on  Phlegra’s  plain, 
Alcyoneus — nor  spared  the  foe 
The  string  of  his  deep-twanging  bow, 


30 

35 

40 

37 


55 


SIXTH  ISTHMIAN  ODE.  249 

But  when  the  social  board  was  spread, 

^acides  to  join  their  fleet  he  led.  52 

Him  standing  on  the  lion’s  hide, 

The  nectar’d  draught  he  bade  to  pour,  60 

Amphitryo’s  warlike  son  adore. 

And  at  the  sacred  rites  preside. 

To  him  then  Telamon  the  brave. 

With  gold  enchased,  a  goblet  gave  ; 

His  hands  extending  to  the  skies,  65 

Invincible  Alcides  cries — 

“  From  thee,  oh  father  Jove !  if  e’er 
With  willing  mind  thou  heardst  my  pray’r, 

E’en  now  this  hero’s  offspring  bold. 

Our  guest,  by  fate’s  decree  foretold,  70 

Of  Eriboea  sprung,  my  supplications  crave.  67 

That  frame’s  insuperable  might, 

(As  the  huge  monster’s  skin  is  bound 
In  ample  folds  my  limbs  around, 

Whom  erst  I  slew  in  Nemea’s  soil,  75 

Achieving  there  my  earliest  toil) 

With  an  intrepid  mind  unite.” 

Thus,  while  he  spoke,  Jove  bade  from  high 
The  king  of  birds,  his  eagle,  fly. 

Sweet  pleasure  o’er  his  soul  was  shed,  80 
When  thus  with  prophet  voice  he  said — 

“  Thine  shall  hereafter  be  the  son 
Whom  thou  entreat’st,  oh  Telamon ! 

And  name  him  Ajax,  since  in  might 
The  bird  that  hither  wing’d  his  flight  85 

To  him  will  just  resemblance  yield, 
Tremendous  in  the  martial  field.” 

This  said,  he  paused,  and  rested  straight ; 

But  all  their  virtues  to  relate, 

From  me  a  lengthen’d  tale  would  claim.  90 
Dispenser  of  the  sacred  feast, 

Muse,  to  Phylstcides  a  guest. 

To  Pytheas  and  Euthymenes  I  came. 


250 


PINDAR. 


Th’  encomiastic  strain  shall  be 

Pronounced  with  Argive  brevity.  87  95 

Three  crowns  in  the  pancratium’s  fray, 
Victorious  on  the  Isthmian  shore, 

And  some  from  Nemea’s  plain  away 
Th’  illustrious  sons  and  uncles  bore. 

What  theme  for  lyric  glory  bright  100 

Their  valiant  deeds  have  brought  to  light ! 

And  with  the  Graces’  fairest  dew 
Your  tribe,  Psaleuchidae,  imbue : 

Themistius’  house  their  love  shall  crown, 
Dwelling  in  this  Heaven-favour’d  town ;  105 

While  Lampo  strives  by  deeds  to  prove. 

And  efforts  of  laborious  care. 

How  much  the  words  of  Hesiod  move 
His  warm  approval  to  declare  ; 

Exhorting  his  remotest  race  110 

Their  common  city’s  fame  by  valiant  acts  to  grace. 

Bless’d  in  the  cherish’d  strangers’  love. 

Retain’d  within  the  mild  control 
Of  mediocrity  of  soul : 

His  tongue  ne’er  wont  beyond  the  mind  to  move. 
His  name  among  the  athletes  known,  116 
Who  oft  were  taught  his  might  to  feel. 
Sounds  like  the  hardy  Naxian  stone. 

Which  best  subdues  the  temper’d  steel. 

To  slake  their  thirst,  them  will  I  lave  120 
In  Dirce’s  pure  and  hallow’d  wave. 

Which  the  fair  nymphs  to  light  have  brought, 
Mnemosyne’s  assiduous  train. 

Whose  costly  robes  with  gold  are  wrought, 
Where  Cadmus’  gates  the  well-built  walls  main¬ 
tain.  Ill  125 


THE  SEVENTH  ISTHMIAN  ODE. 


rO  STREPSIADES  THE  THEBAN,  VICTOR  IN  THE  PANCRA¬ 
TIUM. 

ARGUMENT. 

Pindar  begins  this  highly  poetical  ode  with  an  address  to 
Thebes  ;  concisely  enumerating  her  ancient  glories,  and  the 
most  remarkable  events  in  her  history. — Praises  the  maternal 
uncle  of  Strepsiades,  who  had  fallen  in  battle. — Then  returns 
to  the  victor,  and  mingles  good  wishes  with  his  commenda¬ 
tions. — Concludes  with  beseeching  Apollo  to  add  a  victory 
in  the  Isthmian  games  to  the  other  triumphs  of  Strepsiades. 


Oh  happy  Thebes !  of  all  thy  former  joys, 

Which  now  the  most  thy  mind  employs  ? 

Is  it  the  hour  when  first  to  light  of  day 
The  fair-hair’d  Bacchus  sprang, 

By  Ceres  throned,  whose  priests  their  homage  pay 
With  cymbals’  brazen  clang  1  6 

Or  think’st  thou  of  the  midnight  hour 
When  veil’d  within  a  golden  shower 
The  chief  of  the  celestial  band 
Deign’d  at  Amphitryo’s  doors  to  stand  ?  10  10 

1  Dodwell,  in  his  classical  Travels  in  Greece,  (vol.  L,  p.  271,) 
has  a  passage  in  which  the  glories  and  heroic  characters  of 
Thebes  are  enumerated,  apparently  in  illustration  of  the  highly 
poetical  exordium  of  this  o<le. 

“  The  early  or  heroic  history  of  Thebes  is  particularly  splen¬ 
did  ;  and  neither  Athens,  Lacedaemon,  Argos,  nor  Mycene, 
were  so  much  celebrated  as  the  capital  of  Boeotia  for  great 
events,  for  heroes,  and  for  demigods.  The  names  of  Kadmos, 
Semele,  Bacchus,  Antiope,  Zethes,  Amphion,  Amphitryon,  Alc- 
mena,  Hercules,  Laius,  and  his  unfortunate  race,  furnish  strong 
evidence  of  the  early  power  and  original  lustre  of  this  coun¬ 
try.  No  part  of  Greece  produced  characters  of  more  exalted 


252 


PINDAR 


To  aid,  while  sojourning  on  earth, 

His  spouse  at  the  Herculean  birth. 

Or  of  Tiresias’  counsels  wise. 

Or  lolaus,  skilful  charioteer. 

Or  earth-sown  heroes,  wielding  as  they  rise  15 
The  indefatigable  spear : 

Or  when  thou  sent’st  Adrastus  far 
From  the  rude  shout  and  din  of  war, 

Reft  of  his  numerous  friends,  to  roam 

Back  to  equestrian  Argos  home  :  20 

Or  when  from  distant  Doris’  land 

Thou  gavest  on  foot  erect  to  stand 

The  colony  of  Spartan  line — 

Thy  sons  besieged  Amyclae’s  wall, 

JEgidee,  faithful  to  the  call  25 

Of  the  prophetic  Pythian  shrine.  22 

But  mighty  deeds  of  old  renown 
Sleep  unremember’d  and  unknown. 

Save  when  enrich’d  the  record  lie 
In  the  sweet  dews  of  poetry.  30 

Then  lead  the  pomp,  the  hymn’s  soft  lays 
Awake,  Strepsiades  to  praise, 

fame  than  Hesiod,  Pindar,  Pelopidas,  Epaminondas,  Phjtarch, 
and  Sextus  Chseronensis.  The  dulness,  therefore,  which  the 
rest  of  the  Grecians  ascribed  to  the  Boeotians,  on  account  of  the 
density  of  their  atmosphere,  was  not  always  agreeable  to  truth 
or  consonant  with  experience.  The  conscious  sublimity  of 
Pindar  repelled  the  imputation.” 

15  This  origin  of  the  Thebans,  who  were  fabled  to  spring 
from  the  sown  teeth  of  the  dragon,  is  frequently  alluded  to  by 
the  ancient  poets.  So  Ovid:  (Amor.,  iii.,  12.  35:) — 

“  Protea  quid  referam,  Thebanaque  semina,  dentes  ?” 
and  Euripides  :  (Here.  F.  4,  5'.) — 

“  ev0’  6  yrjyevtjg 
HirapTWV  arayyg  e^XatTrev.'' 

See  also  Eur.,  (Pheen.,  953  ;)  and  Ovid,  (Met.,  iii.,  110:)— 

“  Crescitque  seges  clypeata  virorum.” 

Virg.,  (Georg.,  ii.,  140,)  &c. 


SEVENTH  ISTHMIAN  ODE. 


253 


Who,  victor  in  the  Isthmian  fray. 

Bears  the  pancratium’s  palm  away; 
Conspicuous  in  triumphant  might,  35 

And  form  pre-eminently  bright;  32 

While  valour  with  an  equal  pace 
Accompanies  corporeal  grace. 

The  dark-hair’d  muses  crown  his  fame 
Whose  triumphs  a  new  grace  have  shed  40 
On  his  maternal  uncle’s  name, 

Him  lately  in  th’  embattled  field 
The  deity  with  brazen  shield 

Hath  number’d  with  the  dead. 

But  honour  still  the  brave  attends.  36  45 

This  let  the  patriot  warrior  know 

Who  drives  the  cloud  of  slaughter  that  impends 

O’er  his  loved  native  soil,  upon  the  foe. 

His  fame  among  the  citizens  shall  bloom. 

Growing  tlirough  life,  and  living  in  the  tomb.  50 
But  thou,  Diodoius’  brave  son, 

Rival  of  .Meleager’s  fame. 

Who  emulatest  Hector’s  name. 

And  glories  by  .Amphiaraus  won;  54 

Breath’dst  forth  in  war’s  first  ranks  thy  flower  of  life, 
Where  the  most  brave  sustain’d  war’s  hopeless  strife. 

Then  grief  ineffable  I  bore  ; 

But  now  the  god,  whose  potent  might 
Girds  the  firm  earth,  day’s  splendour  bright 
Gives  me  for  winter’s  gloom  that  lower’d  before.  60 
The  victor's  praise  will  I  declare. 

And  fit  the  chaplet  to  his  hair; 

Nor  let  th’  immortal  train  molest 
With  vengeful  ire  my  tranquil  breast. 

Since  to  the  destined  term  of  age  65 

Calm  I  approach  life’s  closing  stage, 

And  seize  the  fleeting  pleasures  of  the  day; 

Though  subject  to  unequal  fate, 


254 


PINDAtl. 


/ 


Death’s  common  stroke  we  all  await- 
But  he  that  would  the  scene  beyond  survey,  70 
To  him  will  never  find  it  given 
To  tread  the  brazen  soil  of  heaven.  63 

The  winged  Pegasus  overthrew 
Bellerophon  his  lord,  who  flew 
In  thought  the  heavenly  seats  above  75 

To  the  bright  council  hall  of  Jove ; 

For  still  a  bitter  end  -alloys 
The  transport  of  unlicensed  joys. 

But,  Phcebus,  thou  whose  locks  are  spread 
In  golden  lustre  round  thy  head,  80 

Grant  us  to  gain  the  Isthmian  crown, 

And  that  which  Pytho  yields  in  contests  all  thine 
own  I  72 


THE  EIGHTH  ISTHMIAN  ODE. 


TO  OLEANDER  OF  iEGINA,  VICTOR  IN  THE  PANCRATIUM. 


ARGUMENT. 

The  poet  in  this  ode  exhorts  the  youths  liberated  from  the 
calamities  of  the  Persian  war  to  apply  their  minds  to  the 
framing  of  hymns  in  honour  of  the  victor. — It  becomes  a  'fhe- 
ban  to  sing  the  praises  of  an  ^Eginetan,  on  account  of  their 
common  origin. — Thence  he  digresses  to  fables  of  the  ^Eacidse 
and  the  nuptials  of  Peleus  and  Thetis ;  which  leads  him  to 
panegyrize  Achilles. — Returns  to  the  praise  of  the  victor,  and 
his  uncle  Nicocles,  with  which  he  concludes  the  ode. 


To  celebrate  Oleander’s  praise, 

Oh  youths  !  the  hymn  of  triumph  raise, 

'  That  ever  forms  the  glorious  meed 
To  crown  the  blooming  hero’s  deed. 

To  Telesarchus’  splendid  halls  5 

Some  friend  his  victor  offspring  calls 
The  pomp  and  revel  to  convey ; 

Potent  upon  the  Isthmian  plain. 

The  wreath  of  conquest  to  obtain, 

And  Nemea’s  guerdon  bear  away.  10 

For  him,  though  bitter  grief  control 
The  wonted  ardour  of  my  soul, 

To  me  is  given  th’  unequal  task 
The  golden  muses’  aid  to  ask.  12 

Now  from  our  mighty  sorrows  free,  15 

No  want  of  chaplets  may  we  find. 

Around  the  victor’s  head  to  bind, 

Nor  feed  again  our  misery. 


256 


PINDAR. 


Pausing  a  while,  from  fruitless  wo 

Let  us  direct  the  patriot  mind  20 

Some  public  blessing  to  bestow  ; 

Since  a  kind  god  hath  turn’d  aside 
Of  threat’ning  ills  the  direful  shock 
That  hung  like  the  Tantalean  rock 
O’er  Graecia’s  land,  unskill’d  the  storm  to  bide.  23 

But  now  my  fear  has  pass’d  away,  26 

And  anxious  Care  relax’d  her  sway. 

'fo  seize  each  object  as  it  lies 
Before  his  foot  becomes  the  wise. 

O'er  man  impends  deceitful  age,  30 

Revolving  still  life’s  onward  stage. 

Yet  mortals  e’en  these  ills  may  cure, 

While  liberty  continues  sure. 

In  calm  contentment  let  them  rest, 

Of  favourable  hope  possess’d.  35 

Me  too  the  happy  task  awaits, 

(Nurtured  where  Thebes  expands  her  sevenfold 
gates,) 

With  the  bright  muses’  wreath  to  grace 
iGgina,  nymph  of  kindred  race. 

Twin  daughters  of  a  common  sire,  40 

And  youngest  of  Asopus’  line, 

Whose  beauties  could  the  soul  incline 
Of  Jove  himself  to  fond  desire.  41 

To  her  the  heavenly  lover  gave 

By  Dirce’s  sweetly  flowing  wave  45 

O’er  that  fair  city  to  preside. 

Who  joys  the  rapid  car  to  guide. 

Thee  to  (Enopia’s  isle  convey’d. 

The  thundering  sire  a  parent  made 
Of  ^acus,  whose  honour’d  birth  50 

Raised  him  above  the  sons  of  earth. 


24  See  the  note  on  01.,  i.,  90. 


EIGHTH  ISTHMIAN  ODE. 


257 


His  godlike  offspring’s  latest  line 
With  might  from  him  reflected  shine, 

Who  erst,  their  skill  and  prudence  to  display, 
Appeased  the  brazen  din  of  the  celestial  fray.  55 

This  on  the  memory  dwells  impress’d  56 

Of  the  assemblies  of  the  bless’d. 

What  time  for  lovely  Thetis  Jove 
And  the  illustrious  Neptune  strove  ; 

Each  wishing  the  fair  nymph  to  gain,  60 

Bound  in  the  hymeneal  chain  : 

For  mighty  love  their  souls  possess’d. 

But  to  complete  their  nuptial  state 
The  counsels  of  th’  immortal  kind. 

Soon  as  they  heard  the  will  of  fate,  65 

And  prudent  Themis’  voice,  declined ;  67 

Who  to  the  circle  of  the  skies 
Pronounced  the  destinies’  decree. 

That  soon  a  sovereign  progeny 

From  the  sea  goddess  would  arise,  70 

Superior  to  his  potent  sire. 

Whose  hand  should  wield  a  dart  of  fire, 

Fiercer  than  lightning’s  rapid  flame, 

Or  trident  which  no  force  can  tame. 

Such  is  the  fruit  of  Jove’s  embrace,  75 

Or  brother’s,  of  immortal  race. 

Then  cease  your  strife — in  battle  slain 
She  who  could  but  a  mortal  couch  obtain 
Is  doom’d  her  offspring  to  behold. 

With  hands  that  rivall’d  Mars  in  deed,  80 
And  feet  which  mock’d  the  lightning’s  speed. 
Should  I  my  mind’s  intent  unfold. 

Let  the  fair  prize  decreed  by  heaven 
To  Peleus,  sprung  from  ^Eacus,  be  given ; 

That  pious  hero,  bred  upon  lolcos’  plain.  87  85 

y2 


76  I.  e.,  Neptune's. 


258 


PINDAR. 


To  Chiron’s  venerable  cave 
Quick  let  the  messengers  repair : 

Nor  Nereus’  daughter  give,  as  once  she  gave, 

To  us  the  records  of  contention  there. 

But  when  at  evening’s  highest  noon  90 

Rides  in  her  state  the  full-orb’d  moon, 

The  hero  may  untie  the  zone, 

And  make  the  virgin  prize  his  own. 

’Twas  thus  the  goddess  spoke  to  the  Saturnian  train ; 

When  from  immortal  lids  reveal’d  95 

Th’  approving  nod  their  purpose  seal’d. 

Nor  fell  her  words  with  empty  sound, 

Like  fruitless  blossoms  on  the  ground  : 

For,  as  ’tis  said,  high-ruling  Jove 
Thetis  with  him  to  join  in  wedlock  strove.  100 
Hence  to  th’  unskill’d  the  poet’s  tongue 
Achilles’  youthful  valour  oft  has  sung ; 

Who  on  the  Mysian  soil,  with  vines  o’erspread. 

By  Telephus  possess’d,  black  streams  of  slaughter 
shed.  110 

Who  gave  th’  Atridae  back  to  roam  105 

With  liberated  Helen  home. 

And  sever’d  with  his  spear  Troy’s  nervous  strength; 
Hector,  who  in  the  murderous  fray 
With  Memnon  dared  a  while  to  stay 
H  is  fury  o’er  the  plain’s  extended  length:  110 

And  other  chiefs  to  whom  Achilles  show’d 
The  path  that  led  to  Proserpine’s  abode. 

Guard  of  th’  iEacidae,  whose  virtues  grace 
iEgina  and  his  own  illustrious  race. 

Him  the  sweet  song’s  melodious  breath  115 
Deserted  not  when  cold  in  death, 

But  round  his  tomb  and  funeral  pyre 
Stood  the  fair  Heliconian  choir, 

And  gave  the  sounding  notes  of  wo 
In  honour  of  his  name  to  flow ;  120 


EIGHTH  ISTHMIAN  ODE*  259 

Since  to  their  hymns  it  pleased  th’  immortal  train 
To  render  back  the  valiant  hero  slain*  132 

And  now  to  haste  with  loud  acclaim*  ^  ' 
The  muses’  rapid  car,  agrees 
With  him  who  would  exalt  the  fame  125 

Of  pugilistic  Nicocles, 

Whose  valour  on  the  Isthmian  plain 
The  Doric  parsley  could  obtain : 

Since  he  as  well  in  days  of  yore 

The  palm  from  neighb’ring  rivals  bore  ;  130 

And  their  presumptuous  spirit  broke 

With  his  inevitable  stroke.  141 

Actions  like  these  will  ne’er  disgrace 
His  Valiant  uncle's  noble  race. 

May  one  of  the  coeval  band  133 

The  laurel  crown  with  friendly  hand, 

For  the  pancratium’s  victor  twine, 

Around  Oleander’s  brow  to  shine; 

Since  him  before  with  prosperous  fate 
Alcathous’  game  in  festal  state  140 

Throng’d  by  the  Fpidaurian  youth,  received* 
Well  may  the  good  resound  his  praise 
Who  ne’er  the  morning  of  his  days 
Consumed  in  idle  sloth,  by  no  fair  deeds  retrieved* 


ttND  OF  PINDAR* 


ANACREON. 


TRANSLATED  BY 

THOMAS  BOURNE. 


0 


NEW-YORK: 

SARPER  &  BROTHERS,  83  CLIFF-STREET 


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CONTENTS. 


PAGE 

Biogkaphical  Sketch  op  Anackeon 

v 

Ode  I. — On  his  Lyre  . 

13 

—  II. — On  Women 

14 

—  III. — Cupid  Benighted 

15 

—  IV. — On  Himself 

16 

—  V. — On  the  Rose 

18 

—  VI. — The  Banquet 

19 

—  VII.— On  Cupid 

20 

—  VIII. — On  his  Dream 

21 

—  IX. — On  a  Dove 

22 

—  X. — On  a  Waxen  Cupid  . 

24 

—  XI. — On  Himself 

24 

—  XII. — On  a  Swallow  . 

25 

—  XIII.— On  Himself  . 

26 

—  XIV.— On  Cupid 

27 

—  XV. — Happy  Life 

28 

—  XVI.— The  Captive  . 

29 

—  XVII. — On  a  Silver  Bowl  . 

29 

—  XVIII, — On  the  same  subject 

• 

• 

31 

—  XIX. — Reasons  for  Drinking 

• 

31 

—  XX. — To  his  Mistress 

• 

32 

—  XXI. — Summer. 

/  • 

33 

—  XXII. — The  Bower  . 

• 

34 

—  XXIII.— The  Vanity  of  Wealth 

• 

35 

—  XXIV. — Life  to  be  Enjoyed 

• 

35 

—  XXV, — The  Cure  for  Care 

• 

36 

—  XXVI. — In  Praise  of  Wine 

• 

36 

—  XXVII.— The  same  subject 

• 

37 

iv  CONTENTS. 


Ode  XXVIII. — Oh  his  Mistress . 37 

—  XXX. — Cupid  taken  Prisoner  .  .  .  ,  .  ^40 

—  XXXI. — Pleasing  Phrensy . 40 

—  XXXII. — On  the  Number  of  his  Mistresses  .  .  41 

—  XXXIII.-On  a  Swallow . 42 

—  XXXIV. — To  his  Mistress . 43 

—  XXXV. — On  a  Picture  representing  Europe  .  .  44 

—  XXXVI. — Life  to  be  Enjoyed . 44 

—  XXXVII. — On  the  Spring . 45 

—  XXXVIII.— On  Himself . 46 

—  XXXIX.— On  Himself . 47 

—  XL. — Cupid  Wounded . 48 

—  XLI. — The  Banquet  of  Wine . 49 

—  XLII. — On  Himself . 50 

—  XLIII. — On  the  Grasshopper . 50 

—  XLIV, — The  Dream . 52 

—  XLV. — Cupid’s  Darts . 52 

—  XL  VI. — The  Power  of  Gold . 54 

—  XLVII.— Young  Old  Age . 55 

—  XL VIII. — Happy  Life . 55 

—  XLIX. — To  a  Painter . 56 

—  L. — On  Bacchus . 56 

—  LI. — On  a  Medal  representing  Venus  .  .  .57 

—  LH. — On  the  Vintage . 59 

—  LIII.— On  the  Rose . 60 

—  LIV. — On  Himself . 62 

—  LV. — The  Lover’s  Mark . 63 

—  LVI. — On  his  Old  Ago  ......  64 

—  LVI  I. — That  Moderation  enhances  Enjoyment  .  64 

—  LVIII. — Love  in  the  Heart . 65 

—  LIX. — On  Himself . '  .  65 

—  LX.— On  the  Spring  66 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH 


OF 

ANACREON. 


Of  this  delightful  author,  nothing,  beyond  what 
we  are  already  acquainted  with,  can  now  be  known. 
Antiquity  has  long  since  interposed  its  impenetra¬ 
ble  veil ;  and  however  brief  and  unsatisfactory 
the  accounts  which  have  been  handed  down  to  us, 
with  them  we  must  still  remain  satisfied.  Sue-/ 
ceeding  writers,  it  is  true,  may  seek  to  impart  an 
air  of  novelty  to  their  relations,  by  a  new  and  in¬ 
genious  arrangement  of  the  scanty  materials  they 
possess  ;  still,  however,  must  they  relate  facts,  sub¬ 
stantially  the  same  as  others,  and  present  to  their 
readers,  if  not  a  tedious,  yet  certainly  a  “  thrice-, 
told  tale.”  For  the  only  authentic  incidents  rela¬ 
tive  to  this  elegant  poet  we  are  indebted  to  con¬ 
temporary  writers,  or  to  those  who  flourished 
shortly  after  him,  and  from  them  we  glean  the  few 

following  particulars,  ‘ 

A  2 


6 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH 


Anacreon  was  born  at  Teos,  a  seaport  town  of 
Ionia.  Who  his  parents  were  is  uncertain,  though 
it  is  conjectured  from  good  authority  that  his  family 
was  noble.  The  time  of  his  birth,  according  to 
Barnes,  was  in  the  second  year  of  the  fifty-fifth 
Olympiad,  about  the  beginning  of  the  reign,  of 
Cyrus,  in  the  year  of  Rome  194,  and  A.C.  654. 
According  to  this  calculation  he  was  about  eighteen 
years  of  age  when  Harpagus,  the  general  of  Cyrus, 
came  with  an  army  against  the  confederate  cities 
of  the  lonians  and  ^Eolians. 

The  Teians,  finding  themselves  too  weak  to 
make  a  stand  against  the  enemy,  chose  rather  to 
abandon  their  country  than  to  give  up  their  liberty ; 
and  accordingly  withdrew  with  their  families  and 
effects  to  the  city  of  Abdera  in  Thrace ;  where, 
however,  they  had  not  long  been  settled  before  the 
Thracians,  jealous  of  the  new-comers,  began  to 
give  them  disturbance. 

From  Abdera  our  poet  sailed  to  Samos,  and 
took  refuge  at  the  court  of  Polycrates  ;  at  that 
time  considered  the  politest  and  most  flourishing  of 
any  in  Asia ;  a  distinction  which  it  owed  in  no 
small  degree  to  the  liberality  and  personal  accom¬ 
plishments  of  that  prince  himself. 

We  may  readily  suppose  that  a  person  of  Anac¬ 
reon’s  character  would  meet  with  a  welcome  re¬ 
ception  wherever  wit  and  gayety  were  esteemed  j 


OF  ANACREON. 


7 


and  accordingly  we  find  that  Polycrates  not  only 
honoured  him  with  his  friendship,  but  even  made 
him  the  confidant  of  his  most  secret  counsels. 
How  long  he  continued  at  Samos  is  uncertain; 
but  it  seems  probable  that  he  resided  there  the 
greater  pan  of  that  prince’s  reign.  This  opinion 
seems  also  to  be  confirmed  by  Herodotus,  who 
assures  us  that  Anacreon  of  Teos  was  with  that 
prince  in  his  chamber  when  he  received  a  message 
from  Oroetes,  governor  of  Sardis,  by  whose  treach¬ 
ery  Polycrates  was  soon  after  betrayed  and  inhu¬ 
manly  crucified.  Anacreon,  it  would  seem,  had 
left  Samos  a  short  time  previous  to  this  remarkable 
event,  and  had  removed  to  Athens ;  having  been 
invited  thither  by  Hipparchus,  the  eldest  son  of 
Pisistratus,  one  of  the  most  learned  and  virtuous 
princes  of  his  time  ;  and  who,  as  Plato  assures  us, 
sent  a  vessel  with  fifty  oars  to  convey  him  across 
the  iEgean. 

Hipparchus  being  assassinated  in  the  conspiracy 
of  Harrnodius  and  Aristogiton,  he  returned  to  his 
native  country  Teos ;  for  after  the  death  of  Cyrus 
the  Teians  had  been  suffered  to  reinhabit  their 
country  unmolested.  Here  he  remained,  as  Suidas 
informs  us,  till  a  fresh  commotion  in  the  state 
obliged  him  once  more  to  fly  to  Abdera,  where  he 
ended  his  days.  There  is  something  so  remarka¬ 
ble  in  the  manner  of  his  death,  that  it  seems  more 


8 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH 


in  accordance  with  what  might  be  termed  poetical 
justice  than  with  the  sober  strain  of  history,  were 
it  not  a  fact  asserted  by  writers  of  credit  and  repu¬ 
tation.  He  was  choked  with  a  grape-stone  as  he 
was  regaling  on  some  new  wine,  and  expired  in 
the  eighty-hfth  year  of  his  age. 

As  to  the  personal  character  of  this  author,  he 
appears  to  have  been  a  professed  despiser  of  busi¬ 
ness  and  the  cares  of  the  world,  and  indeed  a  lover 
of  pleasure  in  every  shape ;  though  it  seems  neither 
just  no^  generous  to  form  our  judgment  of  him 
solely  from  the  nature  of  his  writings.  The  severe 
and  moral  Plato  condescends  to  call  him  the  wise 
Anacreon  a  title  which  it  is  not  likely  he  would 
have  bestowed  on  him  had  he  possessed  no  other 
claim  to  it  than  the  harmony  of  his  verse  or  the 
gayety  of  his  disposition.  Independent  likewise  of 
this  expression  of  Plato,  which  must  certainly  be 
regarded  as  no  mean  evidence  in  his  favour,  the 
grammarian  Athenaeus  distinctly  mentions  him,  as 
y»^d>y  ^cci  «ey«^o5,  sober  and  honourable. 

It  now  remains  to  speak  of  his  writings,  which 
were  long  the  delight  of  other  days,  and  are  still 
read  and  admired  by  every  scholar  of  taste  and 
learning  in  our  own.  His  Odes,  the  only  part  of 
his  works  which  have  reached  us  entire,  are  written 
in  the  Ionic  dialect,  remarkable  for  its  softness  and 
sweetness.  The  subjects,  though  often  simple  and 


OF  ANACREON. 


9 


trifling  in  themselves,  are  by  the  master-hand  of 
the  poet  rendered  susceptible  of  so  many  beauties, 
that  they  deserved  to  be  sung  by  the  Graces  to  the 
harp  of  Apollo. 

His  language,  free  and  unrestrained,  flows  on  in 
an  uninterrupted  strain  of  melody,  like  the  stream¬ 
let  so  beautifully  described  in  the  twenty-second 
ode  as  psovo-a,  rolling  persuasion ;  and  the 

reader  is  at  once  charmed  with  the  sweet  music  of 
his  song,  and  the  beauty  and  simplicity  of  his 
descriptions. 

As  to  their  moral  tendency,  a  reflection  which 
now  necessarily  presents  itself,  it  certainly  is  my 
decided  opinion,  that  in  this  poet  far  less  will  be 
found  to  offend  the  reader  of  taste  and  delicacy  than 
in  almost  any  other  ancient  author  who  has  written 
on  the  same  subjects.  His  language  is  every¬ 
where  pure  and  elegant ;  and  his  sentiments,  how¬ 
ever  much  at  variance  with  our  own  altered  ideas 
and  circumstances,  are  such  as  might  naturally  be 
expected  from  one  who,  ignorant  of  higher  and 
better  hopes,  mistook  the  road  to  happiness  through 
the  flowery  paths  of  pleasure. 

In  short,  while  we  condemn,  and  with  justice, 
those  licentious  thoughts  and  expressions  which 
occur  but  too  frequently  in  almost  every  author  of 
antiquity,  and  which,  in  a  greater  or  less  degree, 
debase  and  disfigure  their  brightest  pages,  we 


10  BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH 

should  Still  remember  that  they  are  but  the  erro- 
neous  maxims  of  men  who  had  only  the  dim  light 
of  nature  to  direct  them ;  and  still  more  thankful 
ought  we  to  be  for  those  purer  precepts  of  morality 
which  it  is  our  exclusive  privilege  to  enjoy. 

From  what  has  been  observed  respecting  the 
peculiar  style  of  this  author’s  writings,  it  will 
easily  be  supposed  that  a  translation  of  them  into 
any  other  language  must  be  attended  with  many 
difficulties.  To  preserve  the  Ionic  elegance  of  the 
(ynginal,  without  diverging  too  far  from  the  text — 
to  imitate  its  conciseness,  without  sacrificing  its 
beauties — this  indeed  is  a  task  much  more  difficult 
than  might  at  first  be  imagined.  In  fact,  I  much 
doubt  whether  a  foreign  idiom,  confined  to  the 
jingling  monotony  of  modern  verse,  can  ever  hope 
to  do  justice  to  the  sweet  warblings  of  the  playful 
and  polished  Anacreon.  Still  more  hopeless,  I  con¬ 
ceive,  would  be  the  attempt  to  render  them  by  a 
strictly  literal  version  ;  and  in  this  persuasion,  I 
have  endeavoured  on  every  occasion  to  give  what  I 
imagined  to  be  the  meaning  of  my  author,  without 
a  servile  adherence  to  the  letter  on  the  one  hand, 
or  a  too  great  license  of  interpretation  on  the  other. 
With  what  success  these  endeavours  have  been 
accomplished,  it  is  the  province  of  others  to  de¬ 
termine.  Perhaps,  however,  I  may  here  be  per- 


I 


OF  ANACREON.  11 

milted  to  observe,  that  I  have  never  iiesitated  to 
sacrifice  poetic  beauty  to  purity  of  language  and 
expression  ;  happy  if,  by  this  means,  1  have  ren¬ 
dered  accessible  to  the  cabinets  of  my  fair  coun¬ 
trywomen  a  poet  whose  beauties  are  many,  and 
whose  faults,  which  were  those  of  his  age  and  coun¬ 
try,  I  have  studiously  endeavoured  to  conceal. 

T.  B. 


In  the  notes  will  be  found  no  laboured  comments  on  the  pe* 
culiar  force  or  meaning  of  a  Greek  particfe,  nor  any  long  disser¬ 
tations  on  disputed  passages. 

To  the  scholar  and  the  critic  they  would  impart  no  new  in¬ 
formation,  and  to  those,  unacquainted  with  the  original  must  be 
altogether  useless.  I  have  preferred  selecting  from  various 
writers  such  extracts  as  I  thought  likely  to  prove  interesting  to 
the  general  reader,  and  to  facilitate  his  comprehension  of  the 
English  version,  by  illustrating  those  manners  and  customs, 
which  are  still  peculiar  to  the  people  of  the  East. 

To  preceding  editors  I  am  indebted  for  many  useful  observa¬ 
tions,  which  I  have  distinguished  by  the  names  of  their  respec¬ 
tive  authors.  In  the  arrangement  of  these  notes  I  am  happy 
likewise  to  acknowledge  the  judicious  advice  and  assistance  of 
my  friend,  Mr.  T.  Gandy,  member  of  the  Philomathic  Society, 
and  of  several  other  literary  institutions. 

T.  B. 


ODES 


OF.  ANACREON. 


ODE  I.— ON  HIS  LYRE.  • 

While  I  sweep  the  sounding  string. 

While  th*  Atridae’s  praise  I  sing,t 
Victors  on  the  Trojan  plain, 

Or  to  Cadmus  raise  the  strain, 

Hark  !  in  soft  and  whisper’d  sighs, 

Love’s  sweet  notes  the  shell  replies. 

Late  1  strung  my  harp  anew,| 

Changed  the  strings — the  subject  too : 

Loud  I  sung  Alcides’  toils. 

Still  the  lyre  my  labour  foils ; 

Still  with  Love’s  sweet  silver  sounds 
lEvery  martial  theme  confounds.  § 

♦  As  love  is  the  prevailing  subject  of  the  poet’s  muse,  this 
beautiful  little  ode  is  with  great  propriety  placed  at  the  com¬ 
mencement  of  most  editions. 

f  Agamemnon  and  Menelaus,  the  sons  of  Atreus,  who  were 
the  chief  commanders  at  the  siege  of  Troy.  By  the  Atridae  is 
meant  the  Trojan,  and  by  Cadmus,  the  Theban  war. 

t  It  was  common  among  the  ancient  poets  to  say  that  they 
had  new  strung  their  lyre,”  when  about  to  celebrate  any  impor¬ 
tant  subject,  or  extraordinary  event. 

^  In  order  to  understand  this  passage  clearly,  we  must  im¬ 
agine  Anacreon  singing  and  playing  on  his  lyre,  which,  instead 
of  returning  Sounds  suitable  to  the  lofty  subject  of  his  song, 
perversely  warbles  “  Love’s  sweet  silver  sounds.”  The  ori^» 
nal  is  here  beautifully  expressive,  signifying  not  merely  to  send 
forth  a  wrong  note,  but  one  directly  contrary  to  that  intended  to 

ANAC. — B 


14 


ANACREQN. 


Farewell !  heroes,  chiefs,  and  kings. 
Naught  but  love  will  suit  my  strings. 


ODE  U.— ON  WOMEN.* 

Pointed  horns,  the  dread  of  foes. 
Nature  on  the  bull  besto\^  ; 

Horny  hoofs  the  horse  defend, 
Swift-wing’d  feet  the  hare  befriend ; 
Lions’  gaping  jaws  disclose 
Dreadful  teeth  in  grinning  rows ; 
Wings  to  birds  her  care  supplied. 
Finny  fishes  swim  the  tide  ; 

Nobler  gifts  to  man  assign’d. 
Courage  firm  and  strength  of  mind.f 
From  her  then  exhausted  store 
Naught  for  woman  has  she  more : 
How  does  Nature  prove  her  care  1 
Beauty’s  charms  is  woman’s  share. 


be  produced.  The  lyre  is  said  to  have  been  made  of  the  shell  of 
the  tortoise,  and  its  invention  is  by  some  ascribed  to  Anacreon. 

♦  The  sentiment  of  this  little  ode  is  natural  and  beautiful, 
and  it  has  been  imitated  by  many  succeeding  writers.  The 
first  of  modern  poets,  Lord  Byron,  has  in  the  following  beauti* 
ful  passage  a  similar  idea  to  that  contained  in  the  latter  part 
of  it ; — 

**  Oh,  too  convincing,  dangerously  dear ! 

In  woman’s  eye  the  unanswerable  tear ! 

That  weapon  of  her  weakness  she  can  wield 
To  save — subdue — at  once  her  spear  and  shield.” 

Corsair,  Canto  ii.,  15. 

t  The  single  word  in  the  original  thus  translated,  usually  sig- 
nifies  wisdom  or  prudence ;  but  surely  so  polite  a  poet  as  Anac¬ 
reon  would  not  nave  denied  these  important  qualities  to  the 
ladies.  It  may  likewise  be  rendered,  as  in  the  text,  “  Courage, 
or  strength  of  mind  but  in  neither  sense  may  we  arrogate  to 
cursives  the  title  of  “  the  exclusives,”  so  long  as  the  deeds  and 
daring  of  the  softer  sex  live  in  the  Records  of  Woman,  and  are 
relate  by  such  a  champion  as  Mrs.  Hemans. 


ANACREON. 


15 


Stronger  far  than  warrior’s  dress 
Is  her  helpless  loveliness. 

Safety  smiles  in  beauty’s  eyes, 
She  the  hostile  flame  defies : 
Fiercest  swords  submissive  fall — 
Lovely  woman  conquers  all ! 


ODE  III.— CUPID  BENIGHTED.* 

’Twas  at  the  solemn  midnight  hour, 

When  silence  reigns  with  awful  pow’r. 

Just  when  the  bright  and  glittering  Bearf 
Is  yielding  to  her  keeper’s  care  ; 

When,  spent  with  toil,  with  cares  oppress’d, 
Man’s  busy  race  has  sunk  to  rest, 

Sly  Cupid,  sent  by  cruel  fate, 

Stood  loudly  knocking  at  my  gate. 

“  Who’s  there,”  I  cried,  “  at  this  late  hour  ? 
Who  is  it  batters  thus  my  doorl 
Begone  !  you  break  my  blissful  dreams.”  ' 

But  he,  on  mischief  bent,  it  seems. 

With  feeble  voice  and  piteous  cries 
In  childish  accents  thus  replies ; 

“  Be  not  alarm’d,  kind  sir,  ’tis  I, 

A  little,  wretched,  wandering  boy. 

Pray  ope  the  door — I’ve  lost  my  way 
This  moonless  night — alone  I  stray  : 

I’m  stiff*  with  cold.  I’m  drench’d  all  o’er ; 

For  pity’s  sake  pray  ope  the  door.” 

Touch’d  with  this  simple  tale  of  wo. 

And  little  dreaming  of  a  foe, 

*  Longuepierre  has  observed  that  this  is  one  of  the  most  beau¬ 
tiful  odes  in  the  collection ;  and  it  is,  I  think,  a  good  proof  of  the 
truth  of  this  remark,  that  after  a  lapse  of  more  than  two  thou¬ 
sand  years  its  spirit  and  meaning  are  still  preserved,  and  are  to 
be  found  imbodied  in  a  pretty  little  song,  which  was  a  few 
years  ago  a  popular  favourite. 

t  The  Bear  and  Bootes,  or  the  Bearkeeper,  are  two  constel¬ 
lations  near  the  North  Pole. 


16 


ANACREON. 


I  rose,  lit  up  ray  larap,  and  straight 
Undid  the  fastenings  of  the  gate ; 

And  there  indeed  a  boy  I  spied, 

With  bow  and  quiver  by  his  side. 

Wings  too  he  wore — a  strange  attire  I 
My  guest  1  seated  near  the  fire. 

And  while  the  blazing  fagots  shine, 

I  chafed  his  little  hands  in  mine. 

His  dank'  and  dripping  locks  I  wrung. 

That  down  his  shoulders  loosely  hung. 
Soon  ms  his  cheeks  began  to  glow, 

“  Corae  now,”  he  cries,  “let’s  try  this  bow; 
For  much  I  fear,  this  rainy  night, 

The  wet  and  damp  have  spoil’d  it  quite.” 
That  instant  twang’d  the  sounding  string, 
Loud  as  the  whizzing  gadfly’s  wing : 

Too  truly  aim’d,  the  fatal  dart 
My  bosom  pierced  with  painful  smart.* 

Up  sprung  the  boy  with  laughing  eyes. 

And,  “  Wish  me  joy,  mine  host,”  he  cries. 

“  My  bow  is  sound  in  ev’ry  part  j 
Thoult  find  the  arrow  in  thy  heart.” 


ODE  IV.— ON  HIMSELF. 

On  this  flowery  couch  reclining. 

Thick  with  leaves  of  myrtle  strew’d,! 

Every  graver  care  resigning, 

I  will  drink  in  joyous  mood, 

*  In  the  original  it  is  “pierced  through  the  middle  of  my 
liver.”  The  ancients,  as  may  be  proved  by  numerous  passages, 
considered  the  liver  to  be  the  seat  of  the  affections ;  and  it  is 
reasonable  to  suppose  that  the  sympathy  existing  between 
organ  and  the  brain  was  as  well  known  to  them  as  it  is  to  phy¬ 
sicians  in  the  present  day. 

t  Madame  Dacier  observes  that  the  ancients  were  fond  of 
reposing  on  leaves  of  fragrant  herbs  and  flowers,  which  af¬ 
forded  them  a  soft  and  pleasant  couch,  aod  at  the  same  time  re- 


ANACREON. 


17 


His  tunic  shorten’d — standing  near  me, 

His  waist  with  rushy  girdle  bound, 

With  rosy  wine  let  Cupid  cheer  me, 

And  serve  the  golden,  goblet  round. 

For,  ah !  with  what  unwearied  pace* 

The  ceaseless  wheel  of  life  runs  on ! 

Just  like  the  chariot’s  rapid  race, 

How  swift  the  course,  how  quickly  run ! 

Yet  thus,  alas !  our  moments  fly ; 

Thus  pass  our  fleeting  years  away ; 

And  soon  shall  we  neglected  lie, 

A  little  dust — a  lump  of  clay  ! 

Then  why,  when  life’s  short  scene  is  o’er, 
Anoint  a  cold  unconscious  stone  If 

Why  vainly  rich  libations  pour. 

Or  call  ray  ghost  with  useless  moan  ? 

galed  their  senses  with  their  agreeable  odours.  A  passion  for 
perfumes  and  flowers  seems  to  be  common  to  all  oriental  na¬ 
tions. 

*  If,  according  to  the  ancient  proverb,  it  is  commendable  to 
receive  instruction  even  from  an  enemy,  surely  we  should  not 
dizain  to  be  made  wiser  by  a  heathen.  These  lines  contain  a 
fine  moral  sentiment ;  and  the  Christian  reader,  excited  by  higher 
motives,  will  seek  to  improve  that  time  which,  ceaseless  in  its 
progress,  and  irrevocable  in  its  flight,  is  given  to  him  for  nobler 
purposes  than  to  l>e  wasted  in  trifling  pursuits  or  sensual  in¬ 
dulgences. 

t  The  custom  among  the  ancients  of  pouring  sweet  unguents 
on  the  tombs  of  their  deceased  friends,  and  crowning  them  with 
chaplets  of  flowers,  is  well  known.  The  eastern  nations  are 
still  remarkable  for^he  careful  and  affectionate  attention  they 
bestow  on  their  departed  relatives. 

“  The  Turkish  burying  ground  stands  on  the  slope  of  the  hill, 
at  a  small  distance  from  the  town,  near  that  of  the  Jews  and 
is  encircled  by  a  deep  grove  of  cypress  trees.  No  guard  or 
shade  around  a  cemetery  can  be  so  suitable  as  that  of  this  noble 
tree  ;  with  its  waveless  and  mournful  foliage,  it  looks  the  very 
emblem  of  mortality.  The  Orientals  love  that  everything  should 
be  sad  and  impressive  round  the  abodes  of  their  dead,  which 

B  ^ 


18 


ANACREON. 


Nay,  rather,  friends,  anoint  me  now. 
While  life  remains,  and  fate  is  kind ; 
With  rosy  garlands  crown  my  brow, 
And  go,  my  lovely  fair  one  find. 

My  cares  I’ll  drown  in  pleasure’s  tide, 
Before  my  wand’ring  spirit  go 
Where  unsubstantial  spectres  glide, 

^  And  dance  in  dismal  shades  below.* 


ODE  V.— ON  THE  ROSE.f 

With  sparkling  wine  sweet  roses  join, 

’Twill  make  the  nectar’d  draught  divine  ; 

Let  mirth  and  laughter  rule  the  hour. 

While  roses,  pluck’d  from  Love’s  own  bower. 
Around  our  moisten’d  temples  twine, 

And  add  fresh  fragrance  to  the  wine. 

they  never  approach  but  with  the  deepest  reverence ;  and  they 
often  sit  for  hours  in  their  kiosks  on  the  Bosphorus,  gazing 
with  mournful  pleasure  on  the  shores  of  Asia,  where  the  ashes 
of  their  fathers  are  laid.” — Came's  Letters  from  the  East,  p.  65. 

*  It  seems  not  a  little  remarkable  that  the  ancients,  amid  ah 
their  wild  and  extravagant  fancies,  never  “  affected  the  skies 
or,  in  other  words,  that  they  contented  themselves  with  an  ely- 
sium  in  the  infernal  regions,  assigning  the  heavens  above  them 
to  their  gods  and  demigods  alone.  In  this,  as  in  many  other 
respects,  Christianity  has  enlarged  our  ideas,  and  exalted  our 
ho^s  beyond  the  most  daring  conceptions  of  the  heathen  world, 
t  Among  the  ancients,  especially  the  Grecians,  the  rose  was 
particularly  esteemed.  It  was  always  introduced  at  entertain¬ 
ments;  and  it  was  customary  on  such  occasions  to  employ 
flowers  and  perfumes,  not  merely  for  pleasure,  but  because  they 
imagined  their  odours  prevented  the  intoxicating  effects  of  wine. 
With  the  Romans  they  were  held  in  equal  estimation,  as  ap¬ 
pears  from  the  following  passage ; — 

“  Here  pour  your  wines,  your  odours  shed ; 

Bring  forth  the  rose’s  shortlived  flower, 

While  fate  yet  spins  thy  mortal  thread. 

While  youth  and  fortune  give  th’  indulgent  hour.” 

Francis's  Horace,  b.  ii.,  ode  3. 


ANACREON. 


\ 

Oh,  lovely  rose  !  to  thee  I  sing, 

Thou  sweetest,  fairest  child  of  spring!  > 

Oh  thou  art  dear  to  all  the  gods, 

The  darling  of  their  bless’d  abodes. 

Thy  breatlung  buds  and  blossoms  fair 
Entwine  young  Cupid’s  golden  hair, 

When  gayly  dancing,  hand  in  hand, 

He  joins  the  Graces’  lovely  band. 

Then  bring  fresh  garlands,  crown  my  brows, 
And  while  thus  joyous,  I  carouse, 

Admitted,  Bacchus,  to  thy  shrine, 

Thy  praise  I’ll  sing  in  hymns  divine ; 

Or,  thick  with  rosy  chaplets  crown’d. 

With  Chloe  dance  a  sprightly  round, 

Whose  snowy  bosom  softly  swells. 

And  tales  of  tender  transport  tells. 


ODE  VI.— THE  BANQUET. 

With  glowing  wreaths  of  roses  crown’d, 

We’ll  pass  the  cheerful  goblet  round ; 

But  with  no  squeamish,  modest  sips. 

The  cup  shall  kiss  our  thirsty  lips. 

And  see,  to  grace  the  festive  hour, 

The  maiden  seeks  our  shelter’d  bower,* 

Whose  pretty,  slender  foot  well  suits 
The  music  of  the  soft-toned  lutes ; 

While  ivy  wreath’d,  her  thyrsus  fairf 
She  rustles  through  the  yielding  air. 

And  hark  i  a  fair-hair’d  youth  begins,J 
And  as  he  wakes  the  warbling  strings 

♦  A  custom  seems  to  be  here  alluded  to  which  is  still  common 
in  Turkey ;  at  the  entertainments  of  persons  of  consequence 
dancing  girls,  called  almas,  are  hired  to  amuse  the  company  by 
their  performances. 

t  The  thyrsus  was  a  spear  encircled  with  ivy,  and  sometimes 
with  vine  leaves,  and  was  carried  by  those  who  attended  the 
feasts  in  honour  of  Bacchus. 

X  The  following  extract  may  perhaps  elucidate  this  pas. 


20 


ANACREON. 


His  liquid  voice  breathes  odours  round, 
And  mingles  with  the  melting  sound. 
With  golden'  locks,  young  Cupid  see, 
And  Bacchus,  young  and  fair  as  he ; 
With  these  is  lovely  Venus  too. 

Who  hastes  to  join  the  sportive  crew ; 
While  we  old  men  can  scarce  refrain 
To  live  the  life  we  loved  again. 


ODE  VII.— ON  CUPID.* 

Cupid  once,  with  staff  in  hand, 

(A  slender  hyacinthine  wand,) 

Slow  walking  with  a  tottering  pace. 

Defied  me  to  the  rapid  race. 

Away  we  flew  o’er  flood  and  fell. 

O’er  craggy  rock  and  bushy  dell. 

Till  hastening  on  with  swiftest  speed, 

A  serpent  stung  me ;  then  indeedf 
My  heart  forgot  its  wonted  play ; 

I  fainted — sunk — and  died  away. 

sage :  “  The  summer  is  already  far  advanced  in  this  part  of  the 
world  ;  and,  for  some  miles  round  Adrianople,  the  whole  ground 
is  laid  out  in  gardens,  and  the  banks  of  the  rivers  are  set  with 
rows  of  fruit  trees,  under  which  all  the  most  considerable  Turks 
divert  themselves  every  evening ;  not  with  walking,  that  is  not 
one  of  their  pleasures ;  but  a  set  party  of  them  choose  out  a 
green  spot,  where  the  shade  is  very  thick,  and  there  they 
spread  a  carpet,  on  which  they  sit  drinking  their  coffee,  and  are 
generally  attended  by  some  slave  with  a  fine  voice,  or  that  plays 
on  some  instrument.” — Lady  Montagite's  Letters.  Letter  to  Mr. 
Pope  from  Adrianople,  April  1st,  1717. 

*  As  commentators  are  by  no  means  agreed  either  as  to  the 
text  or  meaning  of  this  ode.  I  have  given  it  the  turn  which  I 
conceived  most  agreeable  to  the  genius  and  style  of  the  author. 
By  a  pleasing  allegory,  he  seems  to  intimate,  that  under  what¬ 
ever  disguise  love  may  appear,  his  power  is  equally  certain  and 
resistless. 

t  It  is  observed  by  Madame  Dacier  that  his  being  stung  by  a 
serpent  was  a  punishment  for  his  insensibility  and  presumption. 


ANACREON. 


21 


The  urchin  laughed  at  my  disgrace^ 

And  while  his  pinions  fann’d  my  face, 

“  My  friend,”  he  cried,  “  you  clearly  prove 
That  you  are  not  a  match  for  Love !” 

t 

ODE  VIIL— ON  HIS  DREAM.* 

Peaceful  slumbering  through  the  night, 
On  a  purple  couch  reclined. 

Dreams  of  joy  and  visions  bright 
Bacchus  sent  to  charm  my  mind. 

Methought  I  join’d  in  rapid  race 
With  flying  nymphs  a  sportive  crew, 
And  urging  on  with  swiftest  pace. 

Still  kept  the  lovely  game  in  view. 

While  youths,  as  young  Lyseus  fair,f 
With  jealous  hate,  and  envy  stung, 

Who  saw  my  joy,  but  could  not  share 
Reviled  me  as  I  pass’d  along. 

A  kiss  I  claim’d — my  promised  prize ; 

But  as  on  pleasure’s  brink  I  seem, 

The  vision  fled  my  cheated  eyes : 

I  woke,  and  lo !  Hwas  all  a  dream ! 

Then  lonely,  sad,  and  angry  too,t 
To  find  my  high-raised  hopes  were  vain^ 


*  For  the  different  metre  of  this  ode,  and  of  some  others  in 
the  collection,  I  have  only  to  remark  that  I  have  deviated  from 
the  usual  Anacreontic  measure  for  the  sake  of  variety. 

t  Lyaeus  is  a  name  given  to  Bacchus.  It  is  derived  from  a 
Greek  verb,  signifying  to  loosen  or  free,  and  is,  from  the  cir¬ 
cumstance  of  wine  freeing  the  mind  from  anxiety,  appropriately 
assigned  to  him. 

X  There  is  a  similar  passage  in  one  of  Ovid’s  epistles  ;  in  that 
from  Sappho  to  Phaon,  so  beautifully  translated  by  Pope.  1 


22 


ANACREON. 


The  dear  delusion  to  renew, 

I  sigh’d,  and  sunk  to  sleep  again. 


ODE  IX.— ON  A  DOVE.* 

Pretty  pigeon,  tell  me,  pray. 

Whither  speeding,  whence  away  I 
Breathing  balmy  odours  round. 

Where  thy  fluttering  pinions  sound  1 
Who  despatch’d  thee  through  the  air  I 
What  commission  dost  thou  bear? 

“  Anacreon,  the  blithe  and  gay. 

The  master  dear  whom  I  obey. 

Sent  me  swift  from  yonder  grove 
To  seek  the  lady  of  his  love. 

I  dare  not  tell  the  name  she  bears. 

But  beauty’s  sweetest  smile  she  wears : 
Possess’d  of  every  pleasing  art. 

She  reigns  supreme  o’er  every  heart. 

Fair  Venus  sold  me  to  the  bard, 

A  little  hymn  the  fix’d  reward.f 

have  transcribed  it,  in  order  that  the  reader  may  have  the  pleas 
ure  of  comparing  them  : — 

“  Oh,  night,  more  pleasing  than  the  brightest  day, 

When  fancy  gives  what  absence  takes  away, 

And  dress’d  in  all  its  visionary  charms. 

Restored  my  fair  deserted  to  my  arms  ! 

But  when  with  day  the  sweet  delusions  fly. 

And  all  things  wake  to  life  and  joy,  but  I, 

As  if  once  more  forsaken,  I  complain, 

And  close  my  eyes,  to  dream  of  you  again.” 

*  To  understand  this  ode  properly,  we  must  remember  that 
it  was  a  custom  among  the  ancients,  when  they  undertook  long 
journeys,  and  were  desirous  of  sending  back  any  news  with  un¬ 
common  expedition,  to  take  tame  pigeons  along  with  them. 
When  they  thought  proper  to  write  to  their  friends,  they  let  one 
of  these  birds  loose,  with  letters  fastened  to  its  neck  :  the  bird, 
once  released,  would  never  cease  its  flight  till  it  arrived  at  its 
nest  and  young  ones.  The  same  custom  is  still  common  among 
the  Turks  and  other  Eastern  nations. 

t  It  is  impossible  not  to  admire  the  address  and  delicacy  of 


ANACREON. 


23 


So  now  the  poet’s  page  am  I, 

His  courier  through  the  pathless  sky ; 

And  sometimes,  as  you  see  me  now, 

The  bearer  of  some  tender  vow. 

He  thinks,  perhaps,  he  pleases  me, 

By  saying  I  shall  soon  be  free ; 

But  though  I  should  the  boon  obtain. 

His  willing  slave  I’ll  still  remain. 

For,  ah  !  I  do  not  wish  to  roam, 

Or  quit  my  sweet,  my  happy  home, 

Far  flying  over  hill  and  plain 
My  wretched,  rustic  food  to  gain  ; 

Or  shivering  on  some  tree  to  stay, 

And  coo  the  cheerless  hours  away ; 

For  now  I  feast  on  dainty  bread. 

And  by  the  hands  1  love  am  fed ; 

And  when  the  cup  has  press’d  his  lip. 

His  sweet  delicious  wine  I  sip  ; 

And  when  my  heart  is  light  and  gay, 

I  sometimes  little  frolics  play ;  \ 

Upon  his  shoulder  take  my  place. 

And  with  my  wings  o’erspread  his  face. 

Or  if  to  sleep  my  humour  suit, 

I  perch  upon  his  warbling  lute. 

And  by  his  careful  hand  caress’d. 

By  softest  sounds  am  lull’d  to  rest. 

I’ve  told  you  all— begone !  adieu ! 

And  let  me  now  my  flight  pursue. 

Nay,  friend,  no  longer  urge  my  stay. 

For  I  have  prated  like  a  jay.” 

this  indirect  compliment  to  his  own  writings.  Venus,  the  god¬ 
dess  of  beauty,  and  mother  of  the  Graces,  is  represented  as 
being  willing  to  purchase  a  little  hymn  of  his  composing  at  the 
price  of  one  of  her  favourite  doves.  This  passage  is  cited  by 
Fawkes  as  a  proof  that  Anacreon  wrote  hymns  in  honour  of  the 
gods :  but  be  this  as  it  may,  it  is  certain  that  few  fragments 
have  reached  us,  and  those  of  doubtful  authority. 


24 


AJJACREON. 


ODE  X^ON  A  WAXEN  CUPID. 

A  WAXEN  Cupid,  nicely  wrought, 

A  rustic  youth  for  sale  had  brought. 

“  Say,  what’s  your  price,  my  friend  1”  I  cried. 
When  thus  the  silly  clown  replied, 

In  Doric  phrase,*  devoid  of  skill : 

“  E’en  take  him,  sir,  for  what  you  will : 

’Tis  cheap,  you’ll  say ;  but,  truth  to  tell, 

No  images  1  make  or  sell. 

But  as  for  this  young  rogue  you  see. 

He  must  not — shall  not  dwell  with  me.” 

“If  so,  my  pretty  youth,”  I  said, 

“  Our  bargain  shall  be  quickly  made ; 

To  you  this  little  coin  I’ll  give,! 

And,  Cupid,  thou  with  me  shall  live. 

And  do  thou  now  my  breast  inspire. 

There  kindle  all  thy  former  fire  ; 

Oh  let  me  boast  a  lover’s  name. 

Or  thou  thyself  shall  melt  in  flame.”| 

ODE  XL— ON  HIMSELF.^ 

“  Anacreon,”  the  lasses  say, 

“  Old  fellow,  you  have  had  your  day  r 

*  The  Doric  dialect  was  remarkable  for  its  broadness  and 
harshness.  It  was  the  most  ancient  of  the  four,  and  was  used 
only  by  the  common  people  of  Greece.  It  is  not  therefore  with¬ 
out  reason,  as  the  commentators  have  remarked,  that  Anacreon 
makes  this  young  rustic  speak  it,  since  he  was  so  insensible  to 
the  charms  of  love  as  to  wish  to  get  rid  even  of  his  image. 

t  In  the  Greek  it  is  a  drachm,  an  Attic  coin  worth  about 
nine  pence  English,  or,  according  to  some,  only  seven  pence, 
three  farthings,  or,  eight  pence  farthing. 

t  Barnes  observes  that  the  ancient  heathens  used  to  treat  the 
images  of  their  gods  in  the  same  manner  as  they  fancied  they 
had  been  treated  by  them.  The  modern  Indians,  when  any  ca¬ 
lamity  befalls  them,  are  accustomed  to  chastise  their  idols  with 
scourges. 

^  However  successfully  the  spirit  and  meaning  of  this  author 


ANACREON. 


25 


Consult  your  mirror,  mark  with  care,* 
How  scanty  now  your  silver  hair  ;t 
Old  wintry  Time  has  shed  his  snows, 

And  bald  and  bare- your  forehead  shows.” 
But  faith !  I  know  not  where  they’re  gone, 
Or  if  I’ve  any  left — or  none  ; 

But  this  I  know,  that  every  day 
Shall  see  me  sportive,  blithe,  and  gay  ; 

For  ’tis  our  wisdom  so  to  do 
The  nearer  death  appears  in  view. 


ODE  XII.->ON  A  SWALLOW. 

What  punishment  shall  I  decree, 

'  Vexatious,  chattering  bird,  to  thee  1 
Say,  shall  1  clip  thy  restless  wing  1 
Or,  like  the  cruel  Thracian  king,f 
Tear  out  that  tongue  whose  noisy  scream 
Has  loused  me  from  so  sweet  a  dream  1 

may  sometimes  be  preserved,  it  is  impossible  to  convey  an  ade¬ 
quate  idea  of  that  facility  of  thought  and  easiness  of  expression 
which  are  so  peculiarly  his  own.  What  would  in  others- justly 
be  considered  the  perfection  of  art,  in  him  appears  perfectly  nat¬ 
ural  ;  and  one  might  almost  imagine  that  his  numbers  flowed 
spontaneously  to  the  warblings  of  his  lyre.  These  remarks 
are  particularly  applicable  to  this  ode,  which,  for  simplicity;and 
playfulness  of  expression,  is  inferior  to  no  one  in  the  collection. 

*  Before  the  invention  of  glass,  mirrors  were  used  made  of 
brass  or  some  othej:  metal,  and  sometimes  of  stones  highly 
polished. 

t  It  was  remarked  by  an  ancient  author  that  Venus  herself, 
if  destitute  of  hair,  would  not,  though  surrounded  by  the  Loves 
and  Graces,  have  had  charms  sufficient  to  please  her  husband 
Vulcan. 

X  Tereus,  king  of  Thrace,  for  whose  story  the  reader  is  re¬ 
ferred  to  the  sixth  book  of  Ovid’s  Metamorphoses.  Though 
Anacreon  seems  to  adopt  the  less  usual  acceptation  of  the  fable, 
that  it  was  Philomela,  and  not  Progne,  who  was  transformed 
into  a  swallow. 

ANAC. — C 


26  ANACREON. 

For  oh !  methought  my  love  was  nigh, 
Till,  startled  by  thy  twittering  cry, 

She  fled  -upon  the  wings  of  morn,* 

And  left  me  joyless  and  forlorn. 


ODE  XIII.— ON  HIMSELF. 

Poor  Atys,t  as  old  poets  sing, 

O’er  the  wild  mountains  wandering. 

Degraded  from  his  former  state, 

Cybele’s  love  now  turned  to  hate. 

With  plaintive  cries  invoked  relief. 

Till  madness  brought  an  end  to  grief. 

And  some  who  to  the  waters  throng, 

Of  laurell’d  Phoebus,  god  of  song. 

At  Glares  drink  the  vocal  wave,J 
And  with  prophetic  fury  rave ; 

Then  shall  not  I  when  wine  inspires. 

And  Chloe’s  eyes  dart  love’s  bright  fires. 

When  bathed  in  sweets,  without  alloy, 

And  rapt  in  wild,  delirious  joy. 

Refuse  a  while  stern  reason’s  sway. 

And  be  as  madly  wild  as  they  ? 

*  Horace  has  a  similar  idea  in  the  first  ode  of  the  fourth  V 
which  has  been  thus  admirably  imitated  by  Pope ; — 

“  Thee,  dress’d  in  fancy’s  airy  beam, 

Absent  I  follow  through  th’  extended  dream  ; 

Now,  now  I  seize,  I  clasp  thy  charms. 

And  now  you  burst  (ah,  cruel !)  from  my  arms; 

And  swiftly  shoot  along  the  mall. 

Or  softly  glide  by  the  canal ; 

Now  shorn  by  Cynthia’s  silver  ray. 

And  now  on  rolling  waters  snatch’d  away.” 

t  Atys  was  a  young  Phrygian  of  great  beauty,  beloved  by  Cy 
bele,  the  mother  of  the  gods,  who  afflicted  him  with  madness  for 
violating  his  vow  of  chastity.  According  to  Ovid,  he  was  after 
ward  turned  into  a  pine-tree. 

t  Claros  was  a  city  of  Ionia,  near  Colophon,  and  was  famous 
for  a  fountain  sacred  to  Apollo.  The  term  vocal  alludes  to  the 


ANACREON. 


27 


ODE  XIV.— ON  CUPID.* 

✓ 

Cease,  cease  the  combat,  Pll  obey, 

Oh,  mighty  Love  !  I  own  thy  sway. 

Cupid  plann’d  a  new  campaign. 

And  bade  me  join  his  cainp  again ; 

But  I,  grown  weary  of  the  trade. 

Like  a  rebel  disobey’d. 

Straight  the  monarch,  much  displeased. 

His  dreadful  bow  and  quiver  seized. 

And,  wafted  on  his  pinions  light, 

Defied  me  to  the  field  of  fight. 

Then  clad  for  war,  like  Peleus’  son, 

A  corslet  bright  1  buckled  on  ; 

With  ample  shield  and  quivering  spear, 

I  waited  till  the  foe  drew  near. 

His  bow-string  twang’d — then  seized  with  dread, 
■  My  courage  fail’d — 1  trembling  fled. 

He  plied  his  darts  till  all  were  spent; 

Nor  did  his  anger  then  relent : 

Himself  he  changed  into  a  dart. 

And  shot  like  lightning  through  my  heart. f 

property  which  the  waters  of  this  spring  were  said  to  have  of 
imparting  to  those  who  drank  of  them  the  gift  of  prophecy, 

*  In  this  ode  Anacreon  intends  to  sliow  the  irresistible  power 
of  “  mighty  love  and  he  here  represents  himself  as  contend¬ 
ing  with  Cupid  armed  with  a  spear  and  shield.  The  combat  is 
described  with  much  spirit ;  but  in  the  end  the  arrows  of  his 
antagonist  achieve  the  victory.  The  poet  concludes  with  an 
admirable  reflection  on  the  uselessness  of  defending  the  out¬ 
posts,  when  the  enemy  has  already  entered. 

t  “This  thought  is  very  beautiful  and  ingenious.  It  is  taken 
from  an  ancient  piece  of  gallantry,  which  ought  not  to  be  passed 
over  in  silence.  The  heroes  of  antiquity,  when  in  any  despe¬ 
rate  engagement  they  found  their  darts  spent,  their  strength  ex¬ 
hausted,  and  saw  no  prospect  of  surviving  long,  would  collect 
all  their  spirits  and  strength,  and  rush  headlong  with  amazing 
impetuosity  on  their  enemies,  that  even  in  death  the  weight  of 
their  bodies,  thus  violently  agitated,  might  bear  down  their  ad» 
versaries,” —  Fawke». 


28 


ANACREON. 


Ah  me !  I  felt  my  life-blood  flow ; 

I  sunk  beneath  my  conquering  foe. 

How  vainly  then  a  shield  I  wear  ! 

In  vain  defensive  arms  I  bear ; 

For  victory  who  can  hope  to  win 
While  fiercely  burns  the  war  within  1 

ODE  XV.— HAPPY  LIFE. 

Famed  Gyges’  treasures  I  could  see,* 

From  envious  thoughts  and  wishes  free. 

On  golden  heaps  with  scorn  I  frown ; 

I  would  not  wear  a  monarch’s  crown. 

Far  other  joys  and  cares  are  mine, 

For  which  such  bawbles  I  resign. 

To  bathe  my  beard  with  sweet  perfumes, f 

To  crown  my  brows  with  spring’s  fresh  blooms ; 

These — these  are  things  that  claim  my  care. 

This  day  is  mine — I’ll  freely  share 

The  joys  it  brings ;  for  who  can  know 

If  he  shall  see  the  next  or  no  1 

Then,  while  thy  summer  sky  is  clear. 

Nor  death  nor  danger  hover  near, 

The  happy  hours  of  life  employ 
In  song,  and  dance,  and  festive  joy  ; 

*  According  to  Herodotus,  Gyges  was  the  favourite  of  Can- 
daules,  king  of  Lydia,  whose  queen  was  remarkably  and  pas¬ 
sionately  admired  by  her  husband.  In  his  vanity  he  extolled 
her  charms  above  measure  to  Gyges,  and,  to  convince  him  of 
her  beauty,  determined  to  give  him  an  opportunity  of  seeing  her 
undressing.  This  he  effected,  but  not  without  the  queen’s  dis¬ 
covering  the  affront ;  who  next  morning  sent  for  Gyges,  and 
resolutely  told  him  he  must  either  suffer  immediate  death  for 
what  he  had  done,  or  despatch  Candaules,  and  take  her  and  the 
kingdom  of  Lydia  for  his  recompense.  The  choice  was  dirfi- 
cult,  as  he  greatly  valued  his  master :  however,  the  love  of  life 
prevailed ;  he  stabbed  Candaules,  married  the  queen,  and  took 
possession  of  the  kingdom. 

t  The  Turks  and  Persians  take  a  particular  pride  in  this  ven¬ 
erable  appendage,  and  consume  much  time  in  aressing  and  per 
fuming  it. 


ANACREON 


29 


And  let  the  rattling  dice  assign* 
The  royal  honours  of  the  wine, 
Ere  surly  Death  thy  garland  tear, 
Or  fell  disease  with  frown  severe. 
Forbid  the  nectar’d  juice  to  sip. 
And  dash  the  goblet  from  thy  lip. 


ODE  XVI. -THE  CAPTIVE. 

Some  sing  of  Thebes,  and  some  prolong! 

The  battle-shouts  of  Phrygian  wars  ; 

But  I  must  trill  a  captive’s  song,J 

Sigh  o’er  my  wounds,  and  count  my  scars. 

Of  conq’ring  fleets  no  slave  am  1, 

No  armies  claim  me  for  their  prize ; 

But  all  my  foes  in  ambush  lie. 

And  dart  their  fires  from  Pyrrha’s  eyes ! 


ODE  XVII.— ON  A  SILVER  BOWL. 

Mulciber,  thou  skilful  wright. 

Carve  for  me  this  silver  bright ; 

But  I  do  not  wish  to  see  ’ 

Polish’d  arms  or  panoply. 

What  are  arms  or  wars  to  me  ? 

*  It  was  usual  among  the  ancients  to  appoint  a  master  of  the 
feast  by  the  cast  of  dice,  whose  office  it  was  to  determine  the 
size  and  number  of  the  cups,  and  to  decide  on  the  proper  cere¬ 
monies. 

■f  Anacreon  here  alludes  to  the  famous  war  waged  by  the 
seven  captains  against  Eteocles,  king  of  Thebes,  in  order  to  re¬ 
store  to  his  brother  Polynices  his  share  in  the  government,  ac¬ 
cording  to  their  agreement  on  their  father’s  death  to  reign  annu¬ 
ally  in  turn.  On  this  subject  .^schylus  has  written  a  tragedy, 
and  Statius  a  noble  poem  called  the  Thebaid. 

X  The  poet  here  alludes  to  the  numerous  instances  in  which 
he  had  been  brought  under  the  dominion  of  love. 
c2 


30 


ANACREON.. 


Carve  me  out  a  mighty  bowl, 

That  my  ever-thirsty  soul 
In  the  generous  juice  may  steep. 
Make  it  very — very  deep. 

On  the  margin  do  not  trace 
Uncouth  shape  or  horrid  face  : 
Grave  not  there  the  northern  wain,* 
Stern  Orion,  god  of  rain,t 
Bootes,  or  the  Pleiades ; 

What  concern  have  1  with  these  1 
Trail  thereon  the  tender  vine, 

There  let  purple  clusters  shine  ; 
Picture  too  the  god  of  wine. 

There  let  fair-hair’d  Cupid  be. 

And  Bathyllus,  fair  as  he  : 

Make  them  beautiful  and  bold. 
Burnish’d  high  like  polish’d  gold : 
Let  them  in  one  labour  join, 
Treading  out  the  gushing  wine. 


*  The  author  here  alludes  to  the  emblazoning  of  the  shield 
of  Achilles  as  described  in  the  eighteenth  book  of  the  Iliad ; — 

“  There  shone  the  image  of  the  maister  mind  ; 

There  earth — there  heaven — there  ocean  he  design’d ; 

Th’  unwearied  sun,  the  moon  completely  round  ; 

The  starry  lights  that  heaven’s  high  convex  crown’d  ; 

The  Pleiads,  Hyads,  with  the  northern  team ; 

And  great  Orion’s  more  refulgent  beam, 

To  which  around  the  axle  of  the  sky 
The  Bear  revolving  points  his  golden  eye, 

Still  shines  exalted  on  th’  ethereal  plain, 

Nor  bathes  his  blazing  forehead  in  the  main.” 

Pope's  Homer's  Iliad. 

t  The  Greek  term  signifies  “  hateful,”  and  is  used  by  the 
poet,  because  the  constellation  Orion  was  considered  the  fore¬ 
runner  of  tempests,  and  therefore  dreaded  by  mariners. 


ANACREON. 


31 


ODE  XVIIL— ON  THE  SAME  SUBJECT.* 

Dear  artist,  take  this  silver  store. 

And  try  thy  skilful  hand  once  more ; 

Produce  a  large  and  handsome  bowl 
To  charm  my  eyes,  and  cheer  my  soul. 

Around  its  polish’d  surface  bring 
The  flowery  pride  of  purple  spring ; 

There  let  the  soft  and  vernal  hours 
Shed  rosy  sweets  in  plenteous  showers. 
Engrave  no  foreign  mystic  rite. 

No  marv’lous  tale  that  shocks  the  sight; 

But  draw  the  gen’rous  god  of  wine, 

Blithe  Bacchus,  son  of  Jove  divine.  ^ 

Let  Venus,  love’s  sweet  smiling  queen. 

With  youthful  Hymen  deck  the  scene ; 

His  dread  artillery  laid  aside. 

Let  Cupid  mid  the  Graces  glide,f 
As  in  the  sprightly  dance  they  join 
Beneath  the  high-imbowering  vine, 

Whose  glowing  clusters  peep  between 
The  foliage  bright  of  glossy  green.  « 

With  these  a  youthful  group  display, 

As  fair  as  Phoebus,  god  of  day,  . 

Though  Phoebus  join  not  in  their  play.J 

ODE  XIX.— REASONS  FOR  DRINKING. 

The  earth  drinks  up  the  genial  rains 
Which  deluge  all  her  thirsty  plains ; 

*  The  subject  of  this  ode  is  the  same  as  that  of  the  prece¬ 
ding. 

t  “  It  is  not  without  reason  that  Anacreon,  after  having  men¬ 
tioned  Venus,  introduces  Love  among  the  Graces,  being  sen¬ 
sible  that  though  beauty  alone  might  please,  yet,  without  the 
aid  of  other  charms,  it  could  not  long  captivate  the  heart.” 
Fawkes. 

t  This  apparently  alludes  to  the  fable  of  Hyacinthua,  a 
youth  slain  by  Apollo  while  playing  with  him  at  quoits. 


32 


ANACRE-ON, 


The  lofty  trees  that  pierce  the  sky* 

Drain  up  the  earth  and  leave  her  dry; 

Th’  insatiate  sea  imbibes,  each  hour,! 

The  welcome  breeze  tliat  bring's  the  show’r ; 
The  sun,  whose  fires  so  fiercely  burn, 
Absorbs  the  wave  ;  and,  in  her  turn, 

The  modest  moon  enjoys,  each  night,;): 

Large  draughts  of  his  celestial  light. 

Then,  sapient  sirs,  pray  tell  me  why, 

If  all  things  drink,  why  may  not  I  ? 


ODE  XX.— TO  HIS  MISTRESS. 

On  desert  Phrygia’s  silent  sands 

Poor  Niobe  an  image  stands 

And  Pandion’s  injured  child,  we  know,|| 

Still,  twittering,  tells  her  tale  of  wo. 

But  would  the  gods  the  change  allow, 

And  hear  and  grant  my  tender  vow, 

Dear  girl !  thy  mirror  I  would  be. 

That  thou  might’st  always  smile  on  me. 

*  The  poet  here  refers  to  the  supply  of  moisture  which  trees 
receive  by  means  of  their  roots  and  fibres. 

t  This  passage,  which  seems  to  have  given  the  commentators 
some  trouble,  is  by  many  supposed  to  be  an  error  in  the  text.  I 
have  followed  the  usual  reading,  though  1  think  Fawkes’s  amend¬ 
ment  very  judicious..  He  has  it,  ‘‘  the  sea  drinks  up  the  rivers,’^ 
certainly  a  much  more  natural  idea. 

X  The  moon  is  said  to  drink  from  the  sun,  because  she  bor¬ 
rows  her  light  from  that  luminary. 

6  Niobe  was  the  daughter  of  Tantalus,  king  of  Phrygia,  and 
wife  of  Amphion,  king  of  Thebes ;  by  whom,  according  to 
Homer,  having  six  sons  and  six  daughters,  she  became  so  proud 
of  her  offspring  and  high  birth,  that  she  had  the  vanity  to  prefer 
herself  to  Latona,  the  mother  of  Apollo  and  Diana;  who,  to 
revenge  the  affront  offered  to  their  parent,  in  one  day  slew  all 
her  children :  on  which  Niobe  was  struck  dumb  with  grief,  and 
remained  stupid.  For  that  reason  the  poets  have  feigned  her  to 
be  turned  into  a  stone. — See  Ovid's  Met.,  book  vi. 

11  The  poet  here  alludes  to  the  fabled  iransformaliou  of  Phi¬ 
lomela.  See  note,  p.  35. 


ANACREON, 


Thy  vest  I’d  be,  to  guard  with  care 
Those  heaving  breasts,  and  nestle  there. 
Oh !  would  I  were  a  limpid  wave. 

Thy  soft  and  beauteous  limbs  to  lave  ; 
Thy  perfumed  oil,  that  I  might  share 
The  glory  of  thy  golden  hair ! 

Or,  dearer  still,  that  slender  zone, 

Which  makes  thy  beauties  all  its  own : 
Thy  pearly  chain,  that  shines  so  fair. 

But  cannot  with  thy  neck  compare : 

Thy  very  sandal  I  would  be,* 

Tc  kiss  the  foot  that  trod  on  me ! 


ODE  XXI.— SUMMER. 

Bring,  maidens,  bring  a  well-mix’d  bowl. 

And  let  me  slake  my  thirsty  soul ; 

For,  scorch’d  beneath  this  sultry  sky. 

My  spirits  sink — I  faint — I  die. 

This  garland,  late  so  fresh  and  fair,! 

I  twined  amid  my  curling  hair  ; 

But  all  its  faded  flow’rcts  now 
Have  wither’d  on  my  burning  brow. 

Bring  fresher  wreaths  my  head  to  shade  ; 

Bring  others  still  when  those  shall  fade. 

But,  oh !  what  ease  can  wine  impart 
When  love’s  fierce  flame  consumes  the  heart  ? 

*  This  ode  has  been  imitated  by  many  succeeding  writers ; 
and  in  our  immortal  bard,  who  needed  no  copy  but  nature,  the 
following  passage  can  only  be  said  to  present  a  remarkable  coin¬ 
cidence  : — 

“  See  how  she  leans  her  cheek  upon  her  hand  ! 

Oh !  that  I  were  a  glove  upon  that  hand, 

That  I  might  touch  that  cheek  !” 

Romeo  and  Jtdiet,  act  2,  scene  2, 

t  The  custom  of  wearing  garlands  of  flowers  at  entertain¬ 
ments  has  already  been  mentioned. 


ANACREON. 


S4 

In  vain  to  groves  or  shades  I  fly,* 
This  inward  flame  will  never  die  ! 


ODE  XXII.— THE  BOWER.f 

Haste,  my  love,  this  shade  to  seek, 

The  spreading  tree  is  passing  fair, 

Like  cluiit'ring  curls  on  Beauty's  cheek, 

See  it  waves  its  wanton  hair. 

The  streamlet  murm’ring  at  our  feet 
Rolls  its  music  through  the  grove 
’Tis  a  scene  for  lovers  meet,' 

Where  each  object  whispers  love. 

The  tree,  the  stream,  the  silent  hour. 

All  persuasive,  seem  to  say, 

♦  The  reflection  here  made  by  the  poet  is  just  and  natural, 
and  is  similar  to  that  at  the  conclusion  of  the  fourteenth  ode. 
.When  love  has  once  taken  possession  of  the  heart,  external 
defences  cease  to  be  useful. 

t  'i'his  elegant  little  ode  seems  to  be  a  great  favourite  with 
the  translators  and  commentators..  It  has  not  been  thought  un¬ 
worthy  of  his  genius  even  by  the  philosophical  Beattie,  among 
whose  poems  it  is  to  be  found  translated  with  singular  accuracy 
and  beauty. 

t  In  the  original  it  is  literally  a  “  fountain  rolling  or  flowing 
with  persuasion  a  beauty  of  expression  which  we  must  be 
contented  to  admire  with  very  little  hope  of  imitating,  since 
our  language  seems  to  afford  few  facilities  for  accommodating 
sound  to  sense.  Pope,  no  mean  master  of  melody,  hasattempt- 
ed  it  in  that  passage  in  his  Art  of  Poetry  intended  to  represent 
the  whispering  breeze  and  the  flowing  stream. 

“  Soft  is  the  strain  when  Zephyr  gently  blows. 

And  the  smooth  stream  in  smoother  numbers  flows.” 

On  this  passage  Dr.  Johnson,  in  all  the  pri.deof  acute,  but  rather 
ill-natured  criticism,  remarks,  that  “  the  verse  intended  to  rep¬ 
resent  the  whisper  of  the  vernal  breeze  must  be  confessed  not 
much  to  excel  in  softness  or  volubility  ;  and  the  smooth  stream 
runs  with  a  perpetual  clash  of  jarring  consonants.”— iiamWex, 
vol.  i.,  No.  9?. 


ANACREON 


35 


Viewing  such  a  lovely  bower, 
Can  you  pass  another  way 


ODE  XXIII.— THE  VANITY  OF  WEALTH.' 

Could  glittering  heaps,  or  golden  store, 

Life  preserve,  or  health  restore, 

Then  with  ceaseless,  anxious  pain. 

Riches  I  would  strive  to  gain,* 

That  should  death,  un wish’d  for,  come. 

Pointing  to  the  dreary  tomb, 

I  might  cry,  in  sprightly  tone, 

“  Here’s  my  ransom,  Death  !  begone  !” 

But,  alas!  since  well  I  know 
Life  cannot  be  purchased  so. 

Why  indulge  the  useless  sigh  ? 

Fate  decrees  that  all  shall  die. 

Vainly  to  our  wealth  we  trust, 

Poor  or  wealthy — die  we  must. 

Present  joys  then  let  me  si  are, 

Rosy  wine  to  banish  care; 

Cheerful  friends  that  faithful  prove, 

Beauty’s  smiles  and  blissful  love. 

ODE  XXIV.— LIFE  TO  BE  ENJOYED.f 

Born  a  mortal ;  doom’d  to  tread 
Life’s  rough  path  of  pain  and  wo, 

*  There  is  an  anecdote  in  the  history  of  Anacreon,  recorded 
by  Stobaeus,  to  which  this  ode  may  possibly  bear  some  allusion. 
He  relates  that  Anacreon,  having  received  a  present  of  five 
talents  of  gold  from  Polycrates,  tyrant  of  Samos,  was  so  em¬ 
barrassed  with  cares  and  solicitudes  about  his  treasure,  that  he 
could  not  sleep  for  two  nights  successively  :  whereon  he  sent 
back  the  present  with  this  apology  to  his  patron,  “  That  how¬ 
ever  valuable  the  sum  might  be,  it  was  not  a  sufficient  price  for 
the  trouble  and  anxiety  of  keeping  it.” 

t  These  odes  are  all  nearly  similar  in  subject,  and  present 
nothing  particularly  worthy  of  remark  or  illustration. 


ANACREON. 


All  the  past  with  ease  is  read, 

But  the  future  who. can  know! 

HeAce!  away,  distracting  cares, 

Make  no  fellowship  with  me ; 

Point  not  to  my  silvering  hairs, 

You  and  I  shall  ne’er  agree. 

Ere  fate  forbid  all  further  joy. 

First  amid' the  festive  throng, 

Bacchus  shall  my  hours  employ 
With  mirth,  and  dance,  and  joyons  song. 

I 

ODE  XXV.—THE  CURE  FOR  CARE. 

When  with  gloomy  griefs  oppress’d. 

Wine  can  charm  those  grieis  to  rest; 

Toil  and  trouble,  care- and  wo, 

I’m  determined  ne’er  to  know. 

Though  in  care  my  life  were  pass’d, 

Cruel  death  would  come  at  last. 

Shall  I  ever  anxious  grieve  ! 

Shall  I  thus  myself  deceive  ? 

No !  we’ll  drain  the  rosy  bowl, 

’Tis  a  cordial  for  the  soul ; 

’Tis  a  charm  that  lulls  to  rest 
Every  anxious,  aching  breast. 

ODE  XXVI.— IN  PRAISE  OF  WINE. 

When  the  nectar’d  bowl  I  drain 
Gloomy  cares  forego  their  reign; 

Richer  than  the  Lydian  king. 

Hymns  of  love  and  (joy  I  sing} 

Ivy  wreaths  my  temples  twine, 

And,  while  careless  I  recline. 

While  bright  scenes  my  vision  greet, 
Tread  the  world  beneath  my  feet. 


ANACREON. 


37 


Fill  the  cup,  my  trusty  page, 
Anacreon,  the  blithe  and  sage, 

As  his  maxim,  ever  said. 

Those  slain  by  wine  are  noble  dead. 


ODE  XXVIL— THE  SAME  SUBJECT. 

When  the  generous  god  of  wine, 

Bacchus,  son  of  Jove  divine. 

Frees  my  soul  from  anxious  care, 

Fills  my  breast  and  revels  there. 

Then  I  lead  the  mazy  dance. 

Rapt  in  pleasure’s  giddy  trance. 

Oh  !  what  transports  then  1  prove — 

Sweet  the  joys  of  wine  and  love  ! 

Music  breathes  its  softest  strains, 

Venus  too  with  Bacchus  reigns. 

Thus,  with  wine  and  beauty  bless’d. 

Thus  I  charm  ray  cares  to  rest. 

Ever  joyous,  blithe,  and  gay. 

Dance  the  happy  hours  away. 


ODE  XXVIII.— ON  HIS'MISTRESS.* 

Best  of  painters,  lend  thy  aid. 

Draw  the  lines  of  light  and  shade ; 

Master  of  the  Rhodian  art,t 
Paint  the  charmer  of  my  heart ; 

■*  The  version  of  this  ode,  first  pablished  in  the  Guardian,  is 
adopted  both  by  Addison  and  Fawkes  ;  but  however  beautiful 
and  spirited  it  may  be  thought,  another  translator,  Mr.  Girdle- 
stone,  shrewdly  remarks,  that  no  painter  could  make  a  beautiful 
picture  from  a  description  which  leaves  out  the  nose.  In  the 
original  not  a  single  feature  is  omitted  ;  and  therefore  the  version 
above  mentioned  must  be  defective. 

t  The  Rhodians  were,  according  to  Pindar,  the  first  people 
acquainted  with  the  arts  of  painting  and  sculpture. 

ANAC. — D 


38 


ANACREON. 


Absent  though  the  maiden  be, 
Beauties  I’ll  describe  to  thee,* 
Thou,  undazzled,  ne’er  couldst  see. 
Paint  her  dark  and  glossy  hair, 
Flowing  down  her  neck  so  fair  : 
Further  yet  I  must  presume. 

Let  it  seem  to  breathe  perfume. 
Her  iv’ry  forehead  next  thy  care. 
Shining  mid  her  jet-black  hair; 

Let  thy  utmost  skill  be  seen 
In  the  dainty  space  between. 
Where  by  sable  archers  cross’d. 
Where  the  less’ning  shade  is  lost. 
Let  her  liquid  eye  of  fire, 

Like  Minerva’s,  awe  inspire  ; 

With  Cytherea’s  softness  too 
Temper  the  celestial  blue  ; 


*  To  give  the  reader  an  opportunity  of  judging  whether  or  not 
this  picture  be  too  highly  drawn,  I  have  transcribed  the  follow¬ 
ing  passage  from  a  work  deservedly  held  in  the  highest  estima¬ 
tion  : — 

“  The  women,  as  I  have'intimated,  are  handsome  ;  indeed, 
you  rarely  meet  with  an  ugly  face  among  them.  The  form  of  the 
head,  the  general  cast  of  countenance,  are  classical ;  and  in 
their  profile  I  have  frequently  found  that  exquisite,  gently  curv¬ 
ing  line,  we  see  in  ancient  Greek  statues  and  medals,  (and 
which  we  have  been  accustomed  to  consider  the  line  of  ideal 
beauty,)  identified  in  ‘  real  flesh  and  blood.’  Their  large,  black 
eyes,  with  long  lashes,  and  their  delicately  arched  eyebrows ; 
the  latter,  when  not  denaturalized  and  spoiled  by  the  too  com¬ 
mon  practice  of  dying  them,  are  the  finest  1  have  ever  seen.” — 
M^Farlane's  Constantinople,  vol.  i.,  p.  99,  And  again,  “The 
Greek  village  of  Panagea,  situated  on  the  seashore,  to  the 
south  of  Chesme,  is  celebrated  for  the  beauty  of  its  women*;  but 
throughout  these  regions  the  sex  is  universally  handsome  and 
graceful.  Poverty,  that  cruel  enemy  to  the  charms  of  the  per¬ 
son  as  well  as  of  the  mind,  cannot  destroy  their  attractions : 
the  b«ght,  intelligent,  large  black  eye  beams,  the  clear  com¬ 
plexion,  the  exquisite  Grecian  nose,  mouth,  and  chin,  the  clas¬ 
sical  contour,  are  there,  in  spite  of  its  wrongs ;  and  an  innate 
grace  of  manner  and  motion  develops  itself  through  the  cover¬ 
ing  of  rags.  I  do  not  seek  the  recondite  causes  of  this  peculi 


ANACREON. 


39 


Paint  her  lovely  cheek  and  nose, 

Blending  milk  with  blush  of  rose ; 

Paint  her  pretty,  pouting  lips. 

Where  the  bee  its  honey  sips, 

Where  Persuasion  sits  and  smiles. 

With  a  thousand  winning  wiles. 

Every  pleasing  grace  must  deck 
Her  pretty  dimpled  chin  and  neck ; 

And  let  nameless  beauties  dwell 
In  her  bosom’s  gentle  swell. 

In  a  thin  and  purple  dress 
Veil  this  form  of  loveliness: 

Her  body  hide,  her^shape  express. 

Enough !  no  further  proof  I  seek. 

She  lives — she  breathes — soft !  did  she  speak  1 

arity ;  but,  be  it  descent  from  a  superior  race,  be  it  the  soil  and 
clime,  such  are  the  women  of  Ionia.” — Ibid.,  p.  201. 

Perhaps  the  reader  would  be  pleased  to  see  a  portrait  of  the 
“  fair  Ionian”  in  another  light,  by  a  master  whose  unrivalled 
pencil  has  left  all  competitors  at  an  immeasurable  distance  : — 

“  Vou  see,  this  night 

Made  warriors  of  more  than  me.  I  paused 
To  look  upon  her,  and  her  kindled  cheek  ; 

Her  large  black  eyes,  that  flash’d  through  her  long  hair 
As  it  stream’d  o’er  her ;  her  blue  veins,  that  rose 
Along  her  most  transparent  brow  ;  her  nostril 
Dilated  from  its  symmetry  ;  her  lips 
Apart ;  her  voice  that  clove  through  all  the  din, 

As  a  lute’s  pierceth  through  the  cymbal’s  clash, 

Jarr’d  but  not  drown’d  by  the  loud  bratthng  ;  her 
Waved  arms,  more  dazzling  with  their  own  born  whiteness 
Than  the  steel  her  hand  held,  which  she  caught  up 
From  a  dead  soldier’s  grasp ;  all  these  things  made 
Her  seem  unto  the  troops  a  prophetess 
Of  victory,  or  Victory  herself. 

Come  down  to  hail  us  hers.” 

Lord  Byron. — Sardanapalus,  act  1,  scene  I. 


40 


ANACREON. 


ODE  XXX.— CUPID  TAKEN  PRISONER.* 

Cupid,  once,  was  rambling  found 
On  the  Muses’  hallow’d  ground ; 

Straight  they  weave  a  rosy  chain. 

And  the  little  god  detain. 

Him  to  Beauty  soon  they  gave, 

Mighty  Love  is  Beauty’s  slave. 

Cytherea  ransoms  brought. 

To  release  her  son  she  sought ; 

But  no  fee,  no  ransom  now, 

The  happy  captive  will  allow. 

Love  hath  learn’d  his  art  too  well. 

And  with  Beauty  still  will  dwell. 


ODE  XXXL— PLEASING  PHRENSY. 

Yes!  let  me — let  me  drain  the  bowl, 

And  pour  its  pleasures  on  my  soul ; 

Let  Bacchus  now  his  reign  employ. 

Till  reason  reels,  oppress’d  with  joy. 

Orestes,  by  the  furies  led,t 
Barefooted  to  the  mountains  fled. 

Alcmaeon  too,  in  frantic  mood. 

Like  him  was  stain’d  with  mother’s  blood ; 

But  I  disclaim  such  dreadful  deeds. 

My  madness  from  my  joy  proceeds. 

Then  bring  the  bowl,  I  cry  again. 

Who  shall  that  maddening  joy  restrain? 

*  “  This  ode  is  very  fine,  and  the  fiction  extremely  ingenious 
I  believe  Anacreon  would  inculcate  that  beauty  alone  cannot 
long  secure  a  conquest,  but  that  when  wit  and  beauty  meet,  it 
is  impossible  for  a  lover  to  disengage  himself.” — Madame  Dacier. 

t  Alcmaeon ’s  father  had  been  put  to  death  by  his  mother’s 
contrivance,  whom  on  that  account  he  slew.  Orestes  slew 
his  mother  Clytemnestra,  to  revenge  the  death  of  his  father 
Agamemnon,  who  at  his  return  from  the  Trojan  war  had  been 
murdered  by  her  and  her  lover  iEgisth  -i 


ANACREON, 


41 


When  Hercules  went  mad  of  yore, 

The  Iphitean  bow  he  bore;* 

His  rattling  quiver’s  dreadful  sound 
Spread  awe  and  consternation  round. 

Great  Ajax,  too,  when  madness  raged, f 
Whole  hosts  of  fancied  Greeks  engaged ; 
When,  grasping  fierce  his  seven-fold  shield, 
With  Hector’s  sword  he  sought  the  field. J 
But  iJiough  with  wine  I  mad  should  be. 

May  no  such  fury  seize  on  me! 

No  dreadful  bow  or  sword  I  bear, 

A  flowery  garland  decks  my  hair. 

This  brimming  bowl  shall  crown  my  bliss. 
Then  welcome  madness  such  as  this  ! 


ODE  XXXII.— ON  THE  NUMBER  OF  HIS  MIS¬ 
TRESSES. 

If  thou  canst  number  o’er  to  me 
Every  leaf  on  every  tree. 

Or  count  the  ceaseless  waves  that  roar 
Against  the  billow-beaten  shore. 

Thou  sufficient  skill  hast  proved; 

Thou  shalt  count  the  names  I’ve  loved. 

At  Athens  first,  Minerva’s  town. 

Full  five-and-lhirty  write  me  down ; 

But  oh !  at  Corinth,  rich  and  fair,^ 

What  hosts  of  loved  ones  had  I  there  ! 


*  Iphitus  was  slain  by  Hercules,  who  carried  off  his  bow. 
t  When  the  armour  of  Achilles  was  adjudged  to  Ulysses, 
Ajax  was  so  enraged  at  the  affront  that  he  went  mad;  and 
falling  on  a  flock  of  sheep,  which  he  took  for  Grecians,  he 
first  slew  them  and  then  himself. 

X  Hector  and  Ajax  made  an  exchange  of  presents,  which, 
gave  birth  to  a  proverb,  “  that  the  presents  of  enemies  are 
generally  fatal for  with  this  sword  Ajax  killed  himselfi 

^  Corinth,  the  metropolis  of  Achaia,  was  famous  for  beautiful  i 
women.  " 

d2 


42 


ANACREON. 


For  beauteous  nymphs  it  bears  the  sway, 

For  none  so  beauteous  sure  as  they. 

Next,  my  lovely  Lesbians  tell, 
lonians,  Carians,  those  that  dwell 
At  far-famed  Rhodes — you  may  in  all 
The  trifling  sura  two  thousand  call. 

What !  think’st  thou  that  I  yet  have  done  1 
Resume  thy  tablets — one  by  one,* 

I’ll  count  thee  o’er ‘my  Syrian  fair, 

And  Egypt  too  must  claim  a  share ; 

And  fertile  Greta  yet  remains,! 

Where  Love  his  empire  still  maintains. 

The  dark-eyed  nymphs  that  shared  my  flame. 
At  Spain  and  Afric,  shall  I  name  1 
To  sultry  India’s  farthest  pole, 

Whose  dusky  charms  have  fired  my  soul ! 


ODE  XXXIII.— ON  A  SWALLOW. 

Pretty,  twittering,  fickle  guest. 

Here  you  build  your  summer  nest ; 

But,  ere  storms  deface  the  sky. 

Back  to  warmer  worlds  you  fly;^ 

*  The  page  to  whom  Anacreon  is  here  making  this  extrava 
gant  enumeration,  may  well  be  supposed  to  drop  his  tablets  in 
astonishment,  as  the  original  expression  is,  “add  still  to  the 
wax.”  The  ancients  wrote  on  tablets  made  of  this  material 
with  a  pointed  instrument  called  a  stylus  or  style,  the  upper  end 
of  which  was  flat  and  blunt,  for  the  purpose  of  making  era¬ 
sures.  Hence  arose  the  term  “  an  author’s  style,”  as  applied  to 
his  peculiar  mode  of  expression. 

t  Anacreon,  to  denote  its  fertility,  calls  it  Crete  abounding  in 
all  things.  It  is  mentioned  by  the  ancient  poets  as  having  a 
hundred  cities. 

t  “  Since  the  days  of  Anacreon  to  our  own,  this  is  a  problem 
in  natural  history  which  has  never  been  solved.  Among  the 
ancients  it  was  a  generally  received  opinion  that  swallows  and 
other  birds,  on  the  approach  of  winter,  crossed  the  sea  in  search 
of  warmer  climates  ;  hut  more  accurate  observers  have  taught 
us  to  doubt  the  truth  of  this  opinion.  Pecklinius,  in  his  book 


ANACREON. 


43 


To  Memphis,  or  the  banks  of  Nile, 

Where  bright  suns  for  ever  smile. 

But,  alas !  nor  peace  nor  rest 
Dwells  within  my  hapless  breast : 

Love  still  builds  and  hatches  there, 
Full-fledged  loves  for  flight  prepare  ; 

Some,  unhatch’d,  yet  quiet  dwell. 

Some  just  struggling  through  the  shell. 
While  their  ceaseless  chirping  noise 
Every  hope  of  peace  destroys. 

Some  usurp  the  parent’s  care. 

And  the  younger  nestlings  rear  ; 

These,  when  grown,  will  young  ones  breed ; 
Others  still  to  them  succeed. 

Thus,  alas  !  what  hope  remains — 

What  can  ease  my  bosom’s  pains. 

Since  within  its  secret  cell ' 

Loves  innumerable  dwell  1 


ODE  XXXIV.— TO  HIS  MISTRESS. 

Fly  me  not,  thou  scornful  fair, 

Why  reject  me  so  ^ 

Is  it  that  my  scanty  hair 
Is  whiter  than  the  snow  1 


‘  De  Aeris  et  Element!  defectu,  et  Vita  sub  Aquis,’  assures  us 
that  swallows  retire  to  the  bottom  of  the  water  during  the  win¬ 
ter  ;  and  that  it  is  common  for  the  fishermen  on  the  coasts  of 
the  Baltic  to  take  them  in  their  nets  in  large  knots,  clinging 
together  by  their  bills  and  claws ;  and  that  on  their  being  brought 
into  a  warm  room,  they  will  separate,  and  begin  to  flutter  about 
as  in  spring.  Kircher,  in  his  book  ‘De  Mundus  Subterraneus,’ 
affirms  the  same,  and  that  in  the  northern  countries  they  hide 
themselves  under  ground  in  the  winter,  whence  they  are  often 
dug  out.” — Longuepierre. 

If  the  reader  be  desirous  of  further  information  on  this  point, 
he  may  consult  Buffbn’s  Natural  History,  or  Goldsmith’s  Ani¬ 
mated  Nature. 


44 


ANACREON. 


Beauty’s  blooming  flower  is  thine, 
And  on  thy  cheek  it  glows ; 

But  do  not  lilies  brighter  shine 
When  blended  with  tSie  rose1 


ODE  XXXV.— ON  A  PICTURE  REPRESENT 

ING  EUROPA.* 

This  bull,  my  boy,  is  surely  meant 
The  mighty  Jove  to  represent, 

Since  on  his  back  he  seems  to  bear 
Through  pathless  seas  a  Tyrian  fair. 

With  steady  strength  he  stems  the  tide, 

His  hoofs  the  billows  dash  aside  ; 

For  sure  no  other  bulhbut  he 
Would  from  his  lovely  heifers  flee, 

And  tempt  the  dangers  of  the  sea. 


ODE  XXXVL— LIFE  TO  BE  ENJOYED. 

Why  prate  to  me  of  critic  rules, 

And  jargon  of  the  jangling  schools  ? 

Your  learned  dogmas,  prithee,  spare. 
They’re  useless  all — not  worth  my  care. 

I’ll  hear  thee  gladly,  canst  thou  tell 
The  happy  art  of  living  w»-  ll; 

How  best  to  mix  the  sparkling  wine, 

To  make  the  mellow  draught  divine  ; 


We  must  here  imagine  that  we  have  before  us  a  picture  or 
medal  representing  the  fable  of  Europe.  Accordjing  to  the  poets, 
it  was  from  this  princess  that  our  quarter  of  the  globe  denves 
its  name. 

“  Yet  sigh  no  more,  but  think  of  love, 

For  know  thou  art  the  wife  of  Jove ; 

Then  learn  to  bear  thy  future  fame 

When  earth’s  wide  continent  shall  boast  thy  name.” 

Francis's  Horace,  book  iii.,  ode  27. 


ANACREON. 


45 


How  best  to  please  the  lovely  fair, 

For  this  indeed  is  worth  my  care. 

Alas  !  each  day,  each  hour  1  know, 

My  hoary  locks  still  whiter  grow  : 

Then  bring  the  goblet — let  me  drink, 
’Twill  only  make  me  sad  to  think 
How  near,  how  very  near  the  day* 

When,  mix’d  with  earth  and  kindred  clay, 
My  soul  no  more  shall  taste  of  joy. 

Nor  schemes  of  bliss  my  mind"“employ. 


ODE  XXXVII.— ON  THE  SPRING. 

The  newborn  Spring  awakes  the  flowers. 

And  bathes  their  buds  in  dewy  showers: 

The  roses  bloom,  the  Graces  wear 
Fresh  flowery  garlands  in  their  hair. 

How  sleeps  the  sea  in  placid  rest ! 

No  storms  disturb  its  peaceful  breast ; 

But  oft  upon  its  surface  green 
The  divinjg  duck  is  sporting  seen. 

From  distant  skies  now  comes  the  cranef 
To  seek  her  well-known  haunts  again ; 

♦  What  can  present  a  stronger  picture  of  the  deplorgible  state 
of  those  who  only  in  this  life  have  hope,  than  this  desponding 
reflection  ?  The  prospect  of  death,  considered  merely  as  a  ter¬ 
mination  of  the  pleasures  of  life,  was  too  dreadful  to  be  enter- 
tahied,  and  therefore  he  resolves  to  banish  all  thoughts  of  suck 
an  event  in  scenes  of  mirth  and  festivity.  Is  it  not  to  be  fearod 
that  he  has  too  many  imitators,  even  among  those  who,  enlight¬ 
ened  by  Revelation,  know  that  this  life  is  but  a  probationary 
.state,  and  yet  not  only  neglect  its  duties,  but,  judging  from  their 
conduct,  seldom  bestow  a  single  thought  on  them? 

t  The  migratory  habits  of  the  crane  are  thus  described  by 
Goldsmith  in  his  History  of  Animated  Nature:  “The  crane 
changes  place  like  a  wanderer  ;  he  spends  the  autumn  in  Eu¬ 
rope  ;  he  then  flies  off,  probably  to  some  more  southern  climate, 
to  enjoy  a  part  of  the  winter  ;  returns  to  Europe  in  the  spring  ; 
crosses  up  to  the  north  in  summer  ;  visits  those  lakes  that  are 
never  diy ;  and  then  comes  down  again  to  make  depredations  on 
our  cultivated  grounds  in  autumn.” 


46 


ANACREON. 


The  smiling  sun  resumes  his  sway, 
And  drives  the  dismal  clouds  away  ; 
The  teeming  earth  is  big  with  fruits, 
Forth  into  day  the  olive  shoots  ; 
Rich,  juicy  clusters  deck  the  vine, 
Which  soon  shall  ripen  into  wine : 
The  charming  sight  with  joy  1  see, 
To  Bacchus  welcome — and  to  me. 


ODE  XXXVIIL— ON  HIMSELF. 

True,  ah !  true,  I’m  growing  old ; 

Why  should  not  the  truth  be  told  1 
Still,  from  youths  I  never  shrink 
When  the  business  is  to  drink. 

When  the  joyous  troop  advance. 

Still  I  join  the  merry  dance  : 

I  no  useless  sceptre  bear 
But  on  high  my  bottle  rear. 

Should  the  grape  some  hero  fire. 

Should  he  wars  and  fights  desire, 

Let  him  fight  then,  if  he  please, 

I  prefer  my  peaceful  ease. 

Bring  me,  then,  my  gentle  page. 

Wine  that  glows  with  strength  and  age.f 

♦  Among  the  ancients,  the  leader  in  the  Bacchanalian  dances 
bore  a  rod  or  sceptre. 

t  However  degenerated  in  other  respects,  the  modem  Greeks 
still  know  “  where  the  best  Chian,  and  what  it  may  cost  them 
at  least  if  we  may  judge  from  the  following  extract : — 

“  The  red  wine  is  the  most  esteemed  in  the  island  :  a  small 
part  only  is  exported,  the  Greeks  making  too  good  a  use  of  it  them¬ 
selves.  It  cannot  greatly  sooth  or  propitiate  a  Turk’s  feelings 
towards  the  despised  and  infidel  Greeks  to  see  them  quaffing 
with  keen  delight  the  rich  juice  of  the  grape,  and  giving  loose 
in  the  moment  to  unbounded  gayety ;  while  he,  poor  forbidden 
follower  of  Islam !  must  solace  himself  gravely  with  the  pure 
fountain,  his  meager  sherbet,  or  at  most  a  cup  of  the  coffee  of 
Mocha.” — Camels  Letters  from  the  East,  vol.  i.,  p.  63. 


ANACREON. 


47 


True,  I’m  old ;  but  you  shall  see 
Old  Silenus,  full  of  glee,* 

Acted  to  the  life  by  me. 


ODE  XXXIX.— ON  HIMSELF. 

When  the  rosy  wine  inspires. 

Every  ’muse  my  bosom  fires. 

All  the  joys  of  love  and  song 
Cheer  my  heart  and  tune  my  tongue. 

When  the  joys  of  wine  I  share, 
Farewell  every  anxious  care ;  s 
Sportive  winds  my  sorrows  sweep 
To  the  restless,  roaring  deep. 

When  I  drain  the  spacious  bowl, 
Bacchus  charms  my  ravish’d  soul ; 
Perfumed  gales  from  beds  of  flowers 
Bathe  in  bliss  the  happy  hours. 

When  with  rosy  garlands  crown’d. 
The  social  cup  I  pass  around ; 

Rapt  in  fancy’s  airy  dream. 

Peaceful  pleasures  are  my  theme. 

When  I  quaff  the  grape’s  rich  juice. 
Bathed  in  liquid  sweets  profuse, 
"Venus  claims  my  votive  strain, 

Chloe  fills  my  arms  again. 


*  Silenus  was  the  foster-father  and  tutor  of  Bacchus,  repre¬ 
sented  as  a  little,  flat-nosed,  bald,  fat,  tun-bellied,  old,  drunken 
fellow,  riding  on  an  ass.  His  picture  is  thus  drawn  by  Ovid  : — 

“  Around  the  Bacchae  and  the  Satyrs’  throng. 

Behind,  Silenus  drunk  lags  slow  along  ;  . 

On  his  dull  ass  he'nods  from  side  to  side. 

Forbears  to  fall,  yet  half  forgets  to  ride.” — Eusdeiu 


48 


ANACREON. 


When  the  joy-inspiring  draught 
Frees  my  soul  from  anxious  thought, 
Graver  thoughts  I  fling  away, 
Sporting  with  the  young  and  gay. 

W’hen  I  glow  with  generous  wine. 
Life’s  real  blessings  all  are  mine, 
Joys  beyond  the  reach  of  fate — 
Death  is  sure  in  every  state. 


ODE  XL.— CUPID  WOUNDED.* 

Young  Cupid,  once,  in  luckless  hour. 

Saw  and  pluck’d  his  favourite  flower, 

A  blooming  rose — whose  leaves  among 
A  bee  that  slept  his  finger  stung. 

Loud  he  scream’d  with  sudden  pain, 
Stamp’d  and  sobb’d — then  scream’d  again. 
He  runs — he  flies  through  mead  and  grove, 
To  seek  the  beauteous  Queen  of  Love. 

“  Ah  me  !  mamma,  I’m  kill’d,”  he  cries, 

“  Thy  child,  thy  own  dear  Cupid  dies  ! 

For,  as  I  play’d  on  yonder  plain, 

A  winged  serpentf — ah !  what  pain ! 

A  thing  the  ploughmen  call  a  bee. 

With  dart  of  poison  wounded  me.” 

Fair  Venus,  smiling,  thus  replies  : 

“  Oh  dry  those  pretty  pearly  eyes  ; 


*  The  ideas  contained  in  this  ode  have  been  made  the  subject 
of  a  song,  which  was  a  great  favourite,  and  is  still  frequently 
heard.  It  is  however  very  doubtful  whether  many  who  sing  it 
know  that  they  are  warbling  the  strains  of  a  poet  who  flourished 
more  than  two  thousand  years  ago;  or,  in  other  words,  that 
they  are  singing  a  new  version  of  one  of  the  odes  of  Anacreon. 

t  In  order  to  make  Cupid  express  his  pain  and  alarm  more 
strongly,  Anacreon  has  made  him  persist  in  calling  the  bee  a 
serpent.  Theocritus  has  imitated  this  beautiful  ode  in  his  nine¬ 
teenth  idyllium. 


ANACREON. 


49 


Think  if  a  little  insect’s  sting 
Such  painful  smart  to  Cupid  bring, 

Oh,  what  must  their  keen  anguish  be 
Who’re  wounded  to  the  heart  by  thee  !” 


ODE  XLI.— THE  BANQUET  OF  WINE. 

Come,  let  the  mantling  cups  be  crown’d, 

And  let  the  jovial  song  go  round. 

To  Bacchus  still  the  strain  prolong. 

Who  taught  the  dance,  and  loves  the  song. 
Companion  blithe  with  Cupid  seen, 

Beloved  alike  by  beauty’s  queen ; 

The  father,  he,  of  joy  and  mirth. 

To  him  the  Graces  owe  their  birth.* 

He  heals  the  wounds  of  pain  and  grief. 

In  him  the  wretched  find  relief. 

When  blooming  youths  present  the  bowl 
Sweet  joys  alone  possess  the  soul ; 

And,  borne  aloft,  our  sorrows  fly 
On  swift-wing’d  storms  that  sweep  the  sky. 
Then  let  us  anxious  thoughts  dismiss. 

And  pledge  the  cup  to  scenes  of  bliss  ; 

For  what  avails  heart-rending  care. 

Since  mortal  man  is  sorrow’s  heir. 

How  short  his  life’s  uncertain  date  !f 
Unknown  and  dark  his  future  state. 

But  when  the  brimming  bowl  I  drain 
I  love  to  dance  along  the  plain, 

*  Madame  Dacier  supposes  this  to  be  the  passage  on  which 
was  founded  the  opinion  that  the  Graces  were  the  daughters  of 
Venus  and  Bacchus. 

t  The  ancient  poets  all  agree  in  enforcing  the  necessity  of 
enjoying  life,  on  account  of  its  brevity  and  uncertainty.  Martial 
says, 

“  I’ll  live  to-morrow,  none  but  fools  will  say  : 

To-morrow  is  too  lace — live  then  today.” 

If  this  be  true  in  the  sense  in  which  they  meant  it,  how  nmich 
ANAC. — E 


50 


ANACREON. 


With  sweet  perfumes  to  bathe  my  hair 
And  frolic  with  the  young  and  fair. 

Let  anxious  idiots  still  despise 
The  joys  "which  wiser  men  will  prize. 
Then,  while  the  jovial  cup  goes  round, 
To  Bacchus  let  the  song  resound. 


ODE  XLIL— ON  HIMSELF. 

A  FRIEND  to  mirth’ and  harmless  sport, 

I  love  the  'dance  which  Bacchus  taught. 

I  dearly  love  to  Wake  the  lyre 
When  wine  or  love  niy  lays  inspire  ; 

But  dearer,  sweeter  joys  1  prove. 

When  with  gay  smiling  maids  I  rove  ; 

While  hyacinths  sweet  odours  breathe, 

And  round  my  brows  their  blossoms  wreath, 
My  heart  from  envious  thoughts  is  free,* 

And  even  Envy  still  spares  me : 

From  Slander’s  venom’d  tongue  1  fly. 

And  shun  the  shafts  of  calumny. 

Fierce  quarrels  o’er  the  festive  board 
My  honest  heart  has  e’er  abhorr’d : 

But,  dancing  to  the  lute’s  soft  strain, 

I  love  to  join  the  blooming  train. 

Oh  !  let 'us  banish  barb’roUs  strife. 

And  lead  a  happy,  peaceful  life.f 

ODE  XLIII.— ON  THE  GRASSHOPPER.J 

Happy  insect!  all  agree 

None  can  be  more  bless’d  than  thee ; 

more  forcibly  will  it  apply  to  our  own  altered  views  and  circum¬ 
stances  ! 

*  Such  sentiments  as  these  do  honour  to  the  poet,  and  estab¬ 
lish  his  claim  to  the  title  of  “  the  wise  Anacreon.” 

t  Anacreon  seems  to  have  esteemed  tranquillity  the  greatest 
blessing  of  life  ;  thus,  ode  39,  “  Peaceful  pleasures  are  my  theme.” 
X  This  insect,  though  called  a  grasshopper,  is  certainly  of  a 


ANACREON. 


51 


Thou,  for  joy  and  pleasure  born, 

Sipp’st  the  honey’d  dew  of  morn. 

Happier  than  the  sceptred  king, 

Mid  the  boughs  we  hear  thee  sing. 

All  the  season’s  varied  store, 

All  thy  little  eyes  explore, 

Fruits  that  tempt,  and  flowers  that  shine, 
Happy  insect !  all  are  thine. 

Injuring  nothing,  blamed  by  none. 

Farmers  love  thee — pretty  one  ! 

All  rejoice  thy  voice  to  hear 
Singing  blithe  when  summer’s  near. 

Thee  the  tuneful  Muses  love, 

Sweetly  chirping  in  the  grove  ; 

Thee  the  great  Apollo  bless’d 
With  a  voice  above  the  rest. 

Thou  from  wasting  age  art  free. 

Time  has  naught  to  (k)  with  thee. 

Skilful  creature,  child  of  song. 

Though  to  earth  thou  dost  belong,’’^ 

Free  from  Nature’s  woes  and  pains. 

Free  from  flesh,  or  blood-fill’d  veins,| 

Happy  thing  !  thou  seem’st  to  me 
Almost  a  little  god  to  be  ! 

very  different  species  of  locust  from  that  so  common  in  our 
fields  and  meadows.  Indeed,  its  habit  of  settling  on  trees  is  of 
itself  a  sufficient  distinction.  I  am  not  aware  that  it  has  any 
proper  English  name,  though  by  some  writers  it  is  called  the 
cicada,  or  cicala. 

*  The  ancient  Athenians  compared  themselves  to  these  in¬ 
sects,  either  on  account  of  their  sKill  in  music,  or  because,  like 
them,  they  were  descended  from  the  earth.  They  likewise  wore 
golden  ornaments  in  their  hair,  resembling  grasshoppers.  The 
Chinese  ladies  still  wear  fastened  to  their  heads  by  springs  small 
golden  figures  of  a  bird,  the  wings  of  which  flutter  with  the 
slightest  motion. 

t  Homer  represents  the  gods  as  being  free  from  blood;  and, 
speaking  of  Venus  being  wounded,  he  says, 

“  From  the  clear  vein  a  stream  immortal  flow’d. 

Such  stream  as  issues  from  a  wounded  god ; 


52 


ANACREOK. 


ODE  XLIV.— THE  DREAM.* 

I  bream’d,  that  over  earth  and  sky, 
Possess’d  with  wings,  I  seem'd  to  fly ; 
While  Love  pursued  with  swiftest  pace. 
And  soon  o’ertook  me  in  the  chase ; 
Though  at  his  little  feet  were  hung 
Large  leaden  weights,  that  loosely  swung. 
“  What  can  this  vision  mean  ?”  I  cried ; 

“  It  surely  may  be  thus  applied, — 

That  I,  who  once  could  freely  rove 
Through  all  the  flowery  paths  of  love. 
Who  laugh’d  at  lovers  and  their  pains. 

Am  fetter’d  now  with  stronger  chains.” 


ODE  XLV.—CUPID’S  DARTS. 

The  rugged  mate  of  love’s  soft  queen 
Was  at  the  Lemnian  forges  seen  ;t 

Pure  emanation  !  uncorrupted  flood  ! 

Unlike  our  gross,  diseased,  terrestrial  blood. 

(For  not  the  bread  of  man  their  life  sustains, 

Nor  wine’s  inflaming  juice  supplies  their  veins.)” 

Pope's  Homer y  book  v. 

*  Madame  Dacier  says  that  this  is  one  of  the  finest  and  most 
gallant  odes  of  antiquity,  and  if  she  for  whom  it  was  composed 
was  as  beautiful,  all  Greece  could  produce  nothing  more  charm¬ 
ing.  Its  meaning  seems  to  be  simply  this  :  that  passion  suddenly 
conceived  is  generally  transient  and  fleeting  ;  but  love  founded 
on  esteem  and  regulated  by  reason,  though  slow  in  its  ap¬ 
proaches,  and  imperceptible  in  its  growth,  makes  an  impression 
on  the  heart  at  once  permanent  and  indelible. 

t  Lemnos  was  an  island  in  the  .^Egean  Sea,  sacred  to  Vul¬ 
can,  who,  in  the  first  book  of  the  Iliad,  gives  an  account  of  Ju¬ 
piter’s  throwing  him  from  heaven,  and  his  fall  on  that  island  : — 

“  Once  in  your  cause  I  felt  his  matchless  might, 

Hurl’d  headlong  downward  from  th’  ethereal  height ; 

Toss’d  all  the  day  in  rapid  circles  round  ; 

Nor  till  the  sun  descended  touch’d  the  ground ; 


ANACREON. 


53 


And  while  their  fires  intensely  glow. 

Was  forging  darts  for  Cupid’s  bow  ; 
Sharp-pointed  shafts  of  polish’d  steel, 

Which  human  hearts  so  keenly  feel. 

The  gentle  Venus,  for  her  part, 

In  honey  dipp’d  each  finish’d  dart ; 

But  cruel  Cupid  took  them  all, 

And  steep’d  their  barbed  points  in  gall. 
Returning  from  the  battle  rude. 

The  mighty  Mars  their  business  view’d ; 

And,  leaning  on  his  massy  spear.* 

“  What  use,”  he  cried,  with  scornful  sneer, 

“  These  puny  darts — these  trifling  toys — 
Mere  playthings — only  fit  for  boys  1” 

“  Hold  !”  Cupid  cries,  “  here’s  one — try  this, 
You’ll  find  it  not  so  much  amiss  ; 

’Tis  strongly  made  ;  and,  for  its  size. 

Its  weight  will  cause  you  much  surprise.” 
The  god  received  it.  Venus  tried 
To  check  her  laugh,  and  turn’d  aside  ; 

But  Mars,  with  sudden  grief  possess’d,! 

Cried,  groaning  from  his  inmost  breast, 

“  This  little  shaft  gives  wondrous  pain ; 

Here — take  it — take  it  back  again.” 

“  Nay,  Mars,  I  give  it  with  good  will ; 

Pray  keep  the  pretty  plaything  still.” 


Breathless  I  fell,  in  giddy  motion  lost ; 

The  Sinthians  raised  me  on  the  Lemnian  coast.” 

Pope's  Homer. 

*  The  proportions  of  the  spear  and  arrow  are  finely  con¬ 
trasted.  The  tiny  weapon  maKes  the  deeper  wound. 

t  This  sentiment  is  extremely  beautiful ;  intimating  that 
one  cannot  even  touch  the  darts  of  Cupid  with  safety.  Moschus 
concludes  his  first  idylUum  with  a  similar  thought ; — 

“  Perhaps  he’ll  say,  ‘  Alas  !  no  harm  I  know. 

Here,  take  my  darts,  my  arrows,  and  my  bow.’ 

Ah !  touch  them  not,  fallacious  is  his  aim, 

Bis  darts,  his  arrows,  all  are  tipp’d  with  flame.” 

Fawket. 


s3 


54 


ANACREON. 


ODE  XLVL— THE  POWER  OF  GOLD. 

A  THOUSAND  pains  we  lovers  prove,* 

Still  what  were  life  devoid  of  love  ? 

But  ah  !  what  wo,  when  doom’d  to  mourn 
The  love  that  never  meets  return  ! 

In  vain  we  boast  of  noble  birth, 

And  vain  is  wisdom,  wit,  or  worth. 

Since  sordid  wealth  alone  is  sought, 

,  And  even  love  with  gold  is  bought. 

Oh  may  he  sleep  in  endless  night. 

Who  brought  the  shining  plague  to  light ; 

Who  first  gave  worth  to  useless  ore. 

And  taught  mankind  to  sigh  for  more  ! 

Gold  breaks  through  every  sacred  tie. 

And  bids  a  friend  or  brother  die  ; 

The  fruitful  source  of  kindred  strife,! 

Gold  would  not  spare  a  parent’s  life. 

Long  wars  and  murders,  crimes  untold, 

All  spring  from  cursed  thirst  of  gold  ; 

*  “  Oh,  love  !  what  is  it  in  this  world  of  ours 

Which  makes  it  fatal  to  be  loved  ?  Ah  !  why 
With  cypress  branches  hast  thou  wreath’d  thy  bowers, 

And  made  thy  best  interpreter  a  sigh  ? 

As  those  who  dote  on  odours  pluck  the  flowers, 

And  place  them  on  their  breast — but  place  to  die. 

Thus  the  frail  beings  we  would  fondly  cherish 
Are  laid  within  our  bosoms  but  to  perish.” 

Thus  sings  the  bard  ;  the  magic  of  whose  verse,  in  spite  of 
reason,  leads  the  fancy  captive ;  the  efforts  of  whose  mighty 
genius  will  be  regarded  by  future  ages  with  sentiments  of  ad¬ 
miration,  pleasure,  and  regret.  For  him  the  muses  wove  their 
brightest  wreaths  :  why  did  he  perversely  mingle  weeds,  rank, 
poisonous  weeds,  with  their  sweet  perennial  flow«  <s  ? 

t  The  ancient  poets  are  loud  in  their  invectives  against  the 
“  auri  sacra  fames.”  Ovid  says, 

“  This  is  the  golden  age ;  all  worship  gold  : 

Honours  are  purchased,  love  and  beauty  sold. 

Our  iron  age  is  grown  an  age  of  gold, 

’Tis  who  bids  most,  for  all  men  would  be  sold.” 


ANACREON. 


55 


And  I  by  sad  experience  know 
’Tis  gold  that  works  the  lover’s  wo ! 

ODE  XLVIL— YOUNG  OLD  AGE. 

I  LOVE  the  cheerful,  blithesome  sage, 
Whose  temper  ne’er  betrays  his  age. 

I  love  the  youth  that  dances  well, 

To  music  of  the  sounding  shell. 

But  when  an  aged  youth  like  me 
Can  join  the  dance  with  sportive  glee, 
Though  age  in  hoary  locks  appears. 

His  heart  is  yv>ung,  despite  his  years. 


ODE  XLVIII.— HAPPY  LIFE. 

Oh  !  for  the  harp,  the  harp  of  fire, 

That  godlike  Homer  strung  : 

But  ah !  on  such  a  blood-stain’d  lyre 
Could  love’s  soft  notes  be  sung  1 

No  !  let  the  measured  cups  be  brought, 

And  from  this  scroll  divine 

I’ll  read  the  laws  which  Bacchus  taught 
To  votaxies  of  the  wine. 

Then  warm  in  heart,  but  wisely  gay,t 
I’ll  join  the  sportive  throng; 

*  The  custom  of  appointing  a  master  of  the  revels  by  The 
cast  of  a  die  has  already  been  alluded  to. — See  ode  xiv. 

t  I  find  but  few  commentators  who  have  noticed  the  very 
singular  expression  of  the  original  in  this  passage.  It  means 
literally,  “preserving  the  mind;”  and  is  intended  to  express 
that  degree  of  pleasurable  excitement  which  exhilarates  the 
spirits  without  overpowering  the  senses ;  or,  as  Cowper  sa}s, 

“  Cups  which  cheer  but  not  inebriate 

though  the  remark  is  certainly  applied  to  a  beverage  of  a  very 
different  nature. 


56 


ANACREON. 


With  joy  the  merry  harp  I’ll  play, 
And  thrill  the  jovial  song. 


ODE  XLIX.— TO  A  PAINTER. 

Dear  artist,  while  I  wake  the  string, 

Paint  thou  the  lovely  scenes  I  sing: 

First,  let  my  fix’d,  delighted  eyes. 

Behold  a  well-built  city  rise  ; 

And  with  inventive  skill  portray 
Its  people  happy,  blithe,  and  gay. 

Describe  the  Bacchanalian  throng. 

Engaged  in  festive  dance  and  song; 

Where,  while  the  shrill-voiced  pipe  is  mute, 
Is  heard  the  softly-breathing  flute. 

And  if  the  crowded  space  permit,* 

To  make  the  blissful  scene  complete, 

Let  happy  pairs  be  seen  to  rove, 

Intent  on  life’s  best  bus’ness — love- 


ODE  L.— ON  BACCHUS. 

See  !  the  youthful  god  descends  ; 

Bacchus,  who  the  youth  befriends, 

*  Allusion  is  here  again  made  to  the  famous  shield  of  Achilles, 
thus  described  by  Homer : — 

“  Two  cities  radiant  on  the  shield  appear, 

The  image  one  of  peace,  and  one  of  war ; 

Here  sacred  pomp  and  genial  feast  delight, 

And  solemn  dance  and  hymeneal  rite ; 

Along  the  streets  the  new-made  bride*  are  led. 

With  torches  flaming,  to  the  nuptial  bed  : 

The  youthful  dancers  in  a  circle  bound 
To  the  soft  flute  and  cittern’s  silver  sound ; 

Through  the  fair  streets  the  matrons  in  a  row 
Stand  in  the  porches,  and  enjoy  the  show.” 

Pope's  Ho/mePs  Iliad. 


ANACREON. 


57 


Strings  his  nerves,  strong  toil  to  bear, 
Courage  gives  to  win  the  fair ; 
Graceful  ease  and  skill  bestows, 
When  the  vigorous  dancer  glows. 

In  his  hand  behold  he  bears  ^ 

An  antidote  for  human  cares  ; 

Bless’d  with  which  poor  mortals  gam 
Pleasure’s  draught  unmix’d  with  pain. 
He  preserves  the  future  wine, 

While  the  crimson  clusters  shine, 

Ere  the  juice  is  taught  to  flow, 

Sweet  assuager  of  our  wo. 

Wine,  the  cure  of  every  ill,* 

Proves  the  best  physician  still ; 

All  its  happy  patients  find 
Health  of  body,  ease  of  mind. 

Sound  in  mind — in  body  sound, 

While  the  rolling  year  goes  round. 
Till  the  grapes  again  appear, 

Med’cine  for  another  year. 


ODE  LI.— ON  A  MEDAL  REPRESENTING 

VENUS. 

What  matchless  skill !  what  art  divine 
On  this  bright  silver  medal  shine  ! 

On  every  side  ;  above,  below, 

The  floods  of  ocean  seem  to  flow ; 

*  A  similar  passage  occurs  in  the  Odyssey,  book  iv.,  in  which 
the  princess  Helen  is  introduced  mixing  this  sovereign  cordial . 

“  Meantime  with  genial  joy  to  warm  the  soul, 

Bright  Helen  mix’d  a  mirth-inspiring  bowl ; 

Temper’d  with  drugs  of  sovereign  use,  t’  assuage 
The  boiling  bosom  of  tumultuous  rage  ; 

To  clear  the  cloudy  front  of  wrinkled  care. 

And  dry  the  tearful  sluices  of  despair. 

Charm’d  with  that  virtuous  draught,  th’  exalted  mind 
All  sense  of  wo  delivers  to  the  wind.” 


Fenton. 


58 


ANACREON. 


While  softly  gliding,  calm  and  clear, 

The  undulating  waves  appear. 

Some  heav’n-taught  genius,  in  its  flight, 

Has  dared  attempt  the  wondrous  sight* 

Of  Venus,  love’s  soft  deity. 

Emerging  from  the  silver  sea. 

What  bright  and  dazzling  beauties  rise 
To  charm  the  gazer’s  ravish’d  eyes  ! 

And  those  the  jealous  waves  conceal, 

Sure  none  but  impious  hands  reveal. 

She,  like  some  sea-flower,  fresh  and  gay, 
Shines  glittering  on  her  watery  way. 
Where’er  the  lovely  goddess  swims. 
Obsequious  billows  kiss  her  limbs ; 

Now  rise  above,  now  sink  below 
Her  rose-bud  breasts  and  neck  of  snow. 

As  virgin  lilies  brighter  show 
Amid  the  dark-leaved  violet’s  glow. 

So  through  the  dark-blue  wave  is  seen 
The  beauteous  form  of  love’s  dear  queen. 
See,  gayly  sporting  at  her  side, 

Young  laughing  Loves  on  dolphins  ride, 

And  o’er  the  silvery  surface  glide. 

The  crooked  natives  of  the  deep. 

With  wanton  curve  and  bounding  leap. 

Attend  the  goddess  in  her  train. 

Where’er  she  smiling  skims  the  main. 

*  Many  a  poet  has  dared  attempt  the  description.  Tickel, 
his  “  Prospect  of  Peace,”  has  the  following  lines  : — 

“  As  when  sweet  Venus,  so  the  fable  sings. 

Awaked  by  Nereids,  from  the  ocean  springs  ; 

With  smiles  she  sees  the  threat'ning  billows  rise. 
Spreads  smooth  the  surge,  and  clears  the  low’ring  skies ; 
Light  o’er  the  deep,  with  fluttering  Cupids  crown’d, 

The  pearly  conch  and  silver  turtles  bound  ; 

Her  tresses  shed  ambrosial  odours  round.” 


ANACREON. 


59 


ODE  LII.— ON  THE  VINTAGE. 

Now  ripen’d  by  the  genial  sun, 

The  grapes  are  glean’d ;  the  sports  begun 
'  See  youths  and  smiling  virgins  bear* 

ITie  purple  produce  of  the  year  ; 

In  vats  the  luscious  burden  lies, 

And  home  the  modest  maiden  hies : 

For  joyous  youths  alone  remain, 

With  blood-red  juice  their  limbs  to  stain, j 
To  crush  the  cluster’s  bloomy  pride, 

And  revel  in  the  crimson  tide. 

Then  loud  they  raise  the  vintage  hymn. 

When  foaming  o’er  the  vessel’s  brim 
They  view  the  joy-inspiring  juice, 

Which  Bacchus  sends  them  for  their  use. 

Should  hoary  age  inhale  the  draught. 

His  youth  renew’d,  at  least  in  thought, 

His  tott’ring,  trembling  limbs  advance. 

And  try  the  long-forgotten  dance. 

But  when  the  youth  its  influence  feels, 

When  wine  prevails,  and  reason  reels ; 

When  wandering  through  the  lonely  grove 
His  heart  beats  high  with  hopes  of  love ; 

If  there,  beneath  the  secret  shade, 

He  chance  to  spy  some  lovely  .maid, 

Who,  press’d  by  sleep’s  invading  po^v’r, 

“  Fair  maids  and  blooming  youths,  that  smiling  bear 
The  purple  product  of  th’  autumnal  year.’* 

Pope. 

•f  We  are  informed  by  travellers  that  the  ancient  custom  of 
treading  the  grapes  is  still  practised  in  many  of  the  wine  coun¬ 
tries.  Matthews,  in  his  “  Diary  of  an  Invalid,”  has  given  us  a 
full  description  of  this  disgusting  process,  which  he  witnessed  in 
Portugal.  After  the  juice  is  crushed  out  it  is  put  into  vats  to 
ferment  itself  fine,  during  which  process  all  impurities  are  care¬ 
fully  removed.  It  may  however  be  proper  to  mention,  that  of 
late  years  wine-presses  have  come  into  more  general  use. 


60 


ANACREON. 


Lies  slumb’ring  mid  the  leafy  bower, 
Herself  the  fairest,  frailest  flower, — 
Before  the  startled  maid  can  rouse 
He  breathes  his  hasty,  burning  vows. 

And  while  his  breast  with  Bacchus  glows, 
His  lawless  love  he  dares  propose. 

In  vain  the  angry  fair  denies, 

He  better  reads  her  telltale  eyes  ; 

And  sure  of  victory  ere  ’tis  won. 

His  eager  suit  he  urges  on ; 

And  when  his  soft  persuasion  fails. 

Rude,  boisterous  Bacchus  oft  prevails  : 
And  thus  the  wanton  god  decoys 
The  youth  to  wild  intemperate  joys. 


ODE  LTIL— ON  THE  ROSE.* 

Thou,  my  friend,  shalt  sweep  the  string, 

I,  in  softest  strains  will  sing. 

While  its  fragrance  round  us  flows. 

The  queen  of  flowers — the  lovely  rose. 

Its  perfumed  breath  ascends  the  skies 
On  every  gentle  gale  that  sighs : 

Its  sweets  descend  to  earth  again. 

Alike  beloved  by  gods  and  men. 

When  Spring  awakes  the  slumbering  flowers. 
And  music  breathes  amid  the  bowers. 

Thee,  darling  gem,  the  Graces  wear 
Intwined  amid  their  flowing  hair  ; 

And  rosy  wreaths  alone  may  dress 
The  queen  of  love  and  loveliness. 

In  every  song  and  fable  knownf 
The  Muses  claim  thee  as  their  own. 

*•  This  ode  will  be  understood  by  supposing  that  Anacreon, 
while  celebrating  a  rose,  requests  a  lyrist  to  accompany  his 
voice. 

t  The  editor  of  an  ingenious  little  edition  of  this  author 
observes :  “  Did  Anacreon  anticipate  the  beautiful  fable  of  the 


ANACREON 


61 


Thou  bidd’st  thy  blooming  sweetness  blow 
In  thorny  paths  of  pain  and  wo. 

But,  oh  !  what  joy,  when  bless’d  we  rove 
Through  rosy  bowers,  and  dream  of  love  ; 
While  bliss  on  every  breeze  is  borne, 

To  pluck  the  rose  without  the  thorn  ; 

With  gentlest  touch  its  leaves  to  press, 
And  raise  it  to  our  soft  caress ! 

Oh !  thou  art  still  the  poet’s  theme. 

And  thee  a  welcome  guest  we  deem, 

To  grace  our  feasts  and  deck  our  hair. 
When  Bacchus  bids  us  banish  care. 

E’en  Nature  does  thy  beauties  prize. 

She  steals  thy  teints  to  paint  the  skies  ; 

For  rosy-finger’d  is  the  morn 

With  which  the  crimson  veil  is  drawn. 

The  lovely  nymphs  we  always  deck 
With  rosy  arms  and  rosy  neck, 


rose  ‘  Sultana  of  the  Nightingale,’  so  justly  a  favourite  with 
later  eastern  poets  ? 

“  All  the  country  is  now  full  of  nightingales,  whose  amours 
with  roses  is  an  Arabian  fable,  as  well  known  here  as  any  part 
of  Ovid  among  us.” — Lady  Montague's  Letters. 

“  For  well  may  maids  of  Helle  deem 
That  this  can  be  no  earthly  flower. 

Which  mocks  the  tempest’s  withering  hour. 

And  buds  unshelter’d  by  a  bower  ; 

Nor  droops,  though  Spring  refuse  her  shower 
Nor  WOOS  the  summer  beam  : 

To  it  the  livelong  night  there  sings 
A  bird  unseen,  but  not  remote  : 

Invisible  his  airy  wings, 

But  soft  as  hai-p  that  Houri  strings 
His  long,  entrancing  note  ! 

It  were  the  bulbul ;  but  his  throat, 

Though  mournful,  pours  not  such  a  strain : 

For  they  who  listen  cannot  leave 
The  spot,  but  linger  there  and  grieve 
As  if  they  loved  in  vain!” — Bride  of  Abydos 

The  reader  will,  I  trust,  pardon  the  length  of  this  extract,  or 
account  of  its  enchanting  beauty. 

ANAC. — F 


62 


ANACREON. 


And  roseate  teints  are  ever  seen 
To  bloom  the  cheeks  of  beauty’s  queen. 

Its  power  to  sooth  the  pangs  of  pain* 
Physicians  try,  nor  try  in  vain  ; 

And  e’en  when  life  and  hope  are  fled 
Its  deathless  scent  embalms  the  dead  : 

For,  though  its  withering  charms  decay, 

And,  one  by  one,  all  fade  away. 

Its  grateful  smell  the  rose  retains. 

And  redolent  of  youth  remains.! 

But,  lyrist,  let  it  next  be  sung 

From  whence  this  preciotis  treasure  sprung — 

When  first  from  ocean’s  dewy  spray 

Fair  Venus  rose  to  upper  day  ; 

When,  fearful  to  the  powers  above. 

The  armed  Pallas  sprung  from  Jove ; 

’Twas  then  they  say  the  jealous  earth 
First  gave  the  lovely  stranger  birth. 

A  drop  of  pure  nectareous  dew 

From  heaven  the  bless’d  immortals  threw  ; 

A  while  it  trembled  on  the  thorn. 

And  then  the  lovely  rose  was  born. 

To  Bacchus  they  the  flower  assign. 

And  roses  still  his  brows  intwine. 


ODE  LIV.— ON  HIMSELF. 

While  I  view  the  youthful  throng. 

Fancy  whispers  I  am  young ! 

To  the  merry  dance  I  fly, 

Who  so  gay,  so  brisk  as  I  ? 

Haste,  Cybele,  bring  me  flowers. 

Bring  sweet  roses  from  the  bowers; 

*  In  Anacreon‘s  time  roses  were  frequently  used  medici¬ 
nally. 

t  “  And  redolent  of  joy  and  youth 
To  breathe  a  second  spring.” 

Gray's  Ode  to  Eton  College^ 


ANACREON. 


63 


Quick  a  graceful  garland  twine, 

Youthful  vigour  still  is  mine. 

Hateful,  hoary  age,  away  ! 

Let  me  sport  with  striplings  gay ; 

Bring  the  bright  autumnal  bowl — 

Age  can  ne’er  subdue  the  soul. 

Still  I  raise  the  cheerful  strain, 

Still  the  brimming  bowl  1  drain  ; 

Still  with  native  humour  gay. 

Sport  the  happy  hours  away  ! 

{ 

ODE  LV.— THE  LOVER’S  MARK. 

The  courser  bears  a  brand  of  fire, 

To  mark  his  owner,  or  his  sire  ; 

The  turban,  twisted  round  his  brows,** 

The  fiery  foreign  Parthian  shows  ; 

And  I  by  instinct  sure  can  tell 
The  lover’s  mark — I  know  it  well : 

For  love  in  vain  concealment  tries. 

The  soul  peeps  through  the  telltale  eyes.f 


♦  The  tiara  worn  by  the  ancient  Parthians  resembled  the 
modem  turban.  Addison  has  translated  from  Dionysius  the 
following  description  of  the  situation  and  manners  of  this  ancient 
people ; — 

“  Beyond  the  Caspian  straits  those  realms  extend, 

Where  circling  bows  the  martial  Parthians  bend. 

Versed  only  in  the  rougher  arts  of  war, 

No  fields  they  wound,  nor  urge  the  shining  share ; 

No  ships  they  boast  to  stem  the  rolling  tide, 

Nor  lowing  herds  o’er  flow’ry  meadows  guide  : 

But  infants  wing  the  feather’d  shaft  for  flight, 

And  rein  the  fiery  steed  with  fond  delight. 

On  every  plain  the  whistling  spear  alarms. 

The  neighing  courser,  and  the  clang  of  arms  ; 

For  there  no  food  the  little  heroes  taste 

Till  warlike  sweat  has  earn’d  the  short  repast.” 

t  The  eyes,  the  windows  of  the  soul,  are  notorious  telltalee 
of  what  is  passing  within. 


64 


ANACREON. 


ODE  LVL— ON  HIS  OLD  AGE.* 

Alas  !  my  youth,  my  joys  have  fled, 

The  snows  of  age  have  bleach’d  my  head. 
Tedious,  toothless,  trembling  age. 

Must  now  alone  my  thoughts  engage  ! 

Adieu,  ye  joys  which  once  I  knew — 

To  life,  to  love,  to  all,  adieu ! 

Henceforth,  unhappy  !  doom’d  to  know 
Tormenting  fears  of  future  wo ! 

Oh  !  how  my  soul  with  horror  shrinks! 
Whene’er  my  startled  fancy  thinks 
Of  Pluto’s  dark  and  dreary  cave, 

The  chill,  the  cheerless,  gaping  grave ! 

When  death’s  cold  hand  has  closed  these  eyes 
And  stifled  life’s  last  struggling  sighs, 

In  darkness  and  in  dust  must  I, 

Alas !  for  ever — ever  lie ! 

ODE  LVIL— THAT  MODERATION  ENHANCES 

ENJOYMENT. 

Haste  !  haste  thee,  boy,  and  bring  the  bowl. 

To  quench  this  fever  of  the  soul ; 

The  copious  stream  with  skill  combine. 

Add  ten  parts  water,  five  of  wine  ;J 

*  It  is  supposed  by  many  that  the  five  following  odes  were 
not  written  by  Anacreon ;  but,  as  Barnes  admits  them  into  his  edi¬ 
tion,  and  they  are  given  in  most  other  translations,  it  was  thought 
proper  to  insert  them  here. 

t  Let  the  reader  contrast  this  exclamation  of  the  despairing 
heathen  philosopher,  with  the  exulting  language  of  “  Paul  the 
aged” — when  ready  to  be  offered,  and  the  time  of  his  departure 
at  hand. 

t  Hesiod,  with  all  the  minuteness  of  “  narrative  old  age,” 
gives  many  directions  to  be  observed  in  the  summer  season. 
Among  the  rest,  in  book  ii.,  he  thus  advises  us  : — 

“  With  Byblian  wine  the  rural  feast  be  crown’d. 

Three  parts  of  water,  let  the  bowl  go  round.”— CooAt. 


ANACREON. 


65 


The  cooling  draught  will  thirst  assuage, 

Nor  in  the  breast  too  fiercely  rage. 

Oh  cease,  my  friends,  for  shame,  give  o’er 
These  clamorous  shouts,  this  deaPning  roar  : 
This  Scythian  scene  all  peace  destroys 
Turns  joy  to  madness,  mirth  to  noise. 

Let  cheerful  temperance  rule  the  soul, 

The  best  ingredient  in  the  bowl. 


ODE  LVllI.— LOVE  IN  THE  HEART.f 

As  once,  amid  the  rosy  bowers, 

I  wove  a  crown  of  fairest  flowers. 

Love,  little  urchin,  lurking  sly 
Beneath  the  leaves  I  chanced  to  spy  ; 
Around  hjs  wings  the  wreath  1  twine. 

And  plunge  him  in  a  cup  of  wine  : 

Then  love,  in  each  delicious  draught, 

I  from  the  foaming  goblet  quaflTd. 

Oh  !  still  he  moves  his  fluttering  wings, 
Still  to  my  heart  strange  transport  brings. 


ODE  LIX.— ON  HlMSELF.t 

Methought,  in  sleep’s  delightful  trance, 

I  saw  Anacreon  advance  ; 

*  The  Scythians  were  particularly  remarkable  for  their  in¬ 
temperance  in  drinking,  and  for  quarrelling  in  their  cups. 

t  This  ode  is  by  some  ascribed  to  Julian,  a  king  of  Egy^pt, 
who  wrote  several  other  elegant  little  pieces.  Being  supposed 
to  possess  much  beauty,  it  is  given  in  most  translations  of  Anac¬ 
reon,  and  is  consequently  inserted  here. 

X  In  the  Vatican  copy  this  is  placed  as  the  first  of  Anacreon’s 
odes.  By  many  it  is  thought  that  he  was  not  the  author,  because 
he  himself  is  the  subject  of  it.  Barnes  endeavours  to  prove  that 
he  was,  by  a  reference  to  the  ninth  ode,  in  which  Anacreon 
makes  mention  of  himself,  and  to  similar  instances  of  poets  in¬ 
troducing  their  names  in  their  works. 

r2 


66 


ANACREON. 


The  tuneful  Teian,  skill’d  to  sing 
The  lays  of  love  on  warbling  string. 

I  hasten’d  to  his  kind  embrace, 

And  kiss’d  his  sweetly  smiling  face. 
Though  somewhat  old,  he  seemed  to  wage 
Successful  war  with  spiteful  age  : 

For  love  still  beam’d  in  each  bright  eye, 
And  from  his  lips  there  seem’d  to  fly 
Sweet  gales  of  rich  and  rosy  wine. 

Which  shed  a  fragrance  quite  divine. 

His  slow  and  staggering  steps  were  stay’d 
By  laughing  Cupid’s  kindly  aid. 

The  garland  that  intwined  his  hair 
The  bard  unbound  and  bade  me  wear. 
Anacreon’s  burning  soul  it  breathed, 

And  I  with  it  my  brows  enwreathed. 

E’er  since  my  heart  is  doom’d  to  prove 
The  pleasing  pains  of  lasting  love. 


ODE  LX.— ON  THE  SPRING. 

How  sweet  through  sunny  meads  to  stray, 
With  Flora’s  rich  profusion  gay, 

While  Zephyr  breathes  its  softest  sighs. 

And  mingled  perfumes  round  us  rise  ! 

How  sweet  beneath  the  secret  shade, 

By  the  vine’s  broad  foliage  made,* 

With  some  loved  fair  to  pass  the  day. 

And  talk  th’  unheeded  hours  away ! 

*  “  The  country  from  hence  to  Adrianople  is  the  finest  in  the 
world.  Vines  grow  wild  on  all  the  hills,  and  the  perpetual 
spring  they  enjoy  makes  everything  gay  and  flourishing.” — jLady 
Montague  s  Letters. 


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Directions  for  Invigorating  and  Prolonging  Life , 
or,  the  Invalid’s  Oracle.  By  William  Kitchiner,  M.D.  Im 
proved  by  T.  S.  Barrett,  M.D.  12mo. 

The  Cook’s  Oracle  and  Housekeeper’s  Manual. 
Containing  Receipts  for  Cookery,  and  Directions  for  Carving, 
With  a  Complete  System  of  Cookery  for  Catholic  Families 
By  William  Kitchiner,  M.D.  12mo. 

The  Plays  of  Philip  Massinger.  In  3  vols.  18mo 

With  a  Portrait. 

The  Dramatic  Works  of  John  Ford.  With  Notes 

Critical  and  Explanatory.  In  2  vols.  18mo. 

Wonderful  Characters  ;  Comprising  Memoirs  and 
Anecdotes  of  the  most  Remarkable  Persons  of  every  Age  and 
Nation.  By  Henry  Wilson.  8vo  With  Engravings. 


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Date  Due 


3  903 


BOSTON  COLLEGE 


280809  3 


BOSTON  COLLEGE  LIBRARY 


UNIVERSITY  HEIGHTS 
CHESTNUT  HILL.  MASS. 


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